Jim Jarmusch's cinematic style is very much derived from the style of French Cinema that he loves. His films are often slowly evolving, meditative pieces with rather quirky characters.

Jarmusch served as a teacher's assistant to master filmmaker Nicholas Ray ("Rebel Without a Cause", "Johnny Guitar") before making his first film, the 16mm feature "Permanent Vacation" in 1984. The film received some attention from critics and established Jarmusch as a filmmaker to watch. His second feature "Stranger Than Paradise" (1984) established Jarmusch as one of the forefathers of the new generation of independent filmmakers. For this film, Jarmusch took home the Camera d'Or, for best new director, at the Cannes Film Festival..

Jarmusch has often worked with a stable of actors including musicians such as John Lurie and Tom Waits, as well as Italian superstar Roberto Begnini. His films continue to find broader audiences and stars such as Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder have appeared in his more recent films. His last film, "The Year of the Horse", was a documentary on Neil Young and his band Crazy Horse. In addition to his own films, Jarmusch has appeared in films by other filmmakers.

Jarmusch's recent films include "Night on Earth" (1991) and "The Dead Man" (1995). His newest film "Ghost Dog" is in competition at this year's Cannes Film Festival.