 Mystery Train is a 1989 independent anthology film written and directed by Jim Jarmusch and set in Memphis , Tennessee . The film comprises a triptych of stories involving foreign protagonists unfolding over the course of the same night . " Far From Yokohama " features a Japanese couple ( played by Youki Kudoh and Masatoshi Nagase ) on a blues pilgrimage , " A Ghost " focuses on an Italian widow ( Nicoletta Braschi ) stranded in the city overnight , and " Lost in Space " follows the misadventure of a newly single and unemployed Englishman ( Joe Strummer ) and his companions ( Rick Aviles and Steve Buscemi ) . They are linked by a run @-@ down flophouse overseen by a night clerk ( played by Screamin ' Jay Hawkins ) and his dishevelled bellboy ( Cinqué Lee ) , a scene featuring Elvis Presley 's " Blue Moon " , and a gunshot . 
