'Flowers' anything but broken

"Broken Flowers" seems like it would make a good metaphor for a lot of director Jim Jarmusch's films. They all seem to be very beautiful and interesting but after time, much like a flower, by the end they've wilted up and died. Going into "Broken Flowers" there were a lot of doubts in my head, mainly since all previous experiences with Jarmusch led to disappointment, but when you've got the genius of Bill Murray in your film, what could possibly be broken is easily fixed.\nMurray is one Don Juan by the name of Don Johnston, a man who apparently made it big in the computer biz but now finds solace in an otherwise uninteresting life. Glued to his brown leather sofa and plasma TV, Don's girlfriend Sherry (French fox Julie Delpy) abandons him the second the day's mail comes through the drop slot. Within all the white envelopes, a giant pink one stands out. Apparently in all his years of wining, dining and ultimately undermining women, one of them supposedly gave birth to his son. The problem is he doesn't know which woman. After much coaxing by his wannabe detective neighbor Winston (a hilarious Jeffrey Wright), Don is convinced to travel the country and visit his many lost loves to hopefully solve this mystery. \nFirst on the list is Laura (a still sexy Sharon Stone), whose husband died in a NASCAR crash leaving her and daughter Lolita (Alexis Dziena) on their own. Next is Dora (sophisticated Frances Conroy) who lives a life of luxury gained from real estate. Then there's Carmen (Jessica Lange -- who at almost 60 still looks gorgeous) who specializes in animal communication. And finally there is white trash with a bit of sass Penny (British beauty Tilda Swinton). Are any of these ladies the mother of Don's child? That's for you to find out. \nThe brilliance in "Flowers" comes primarily from the casting. Bill Murray (who deserves another Oscar nod this time around) has this amazing ability to underplay every scene he is in, while coming off as hilarious, depressing or intriguing without moving a muscle. All the actresses look beautiful for their respective ages and each performance has the right balance of character and emotion. Under Jarmusch's humorously penned screenplay, all the characters come together for a unique experience that winds up more philosophical than just funny. Add in his confident artistic vision and one hell of a soundtrack, and I would say Jarmusch has finally got my attention. \nSo with all that being said, I'd suggest spending some time with Bill Murray and some of the ladies he has wooed over the years in "Broken Flowers." This film is like an anonymous love letter. You might never learn who sent it, but sometimes receiving one is rewarding enough.