I'd say you should be more than curious. Le Samourai is just fantastic.
And yeah, I think I understand the direction you're coming from. I'd say, in a few months, maybe when you've seen Le Samourai, come back and watch this again, and I think you'll maybe get more out of it.
I personally really felt that Jarmusch was using an established story to try and create something deeper, a deeper reading of American culture. And for that, I do give him a lot of props.
sdedalus, if you've got some time, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Ghost Dog, and maybe if you think I'm barking up the wrong tree or not. (No pun intended.)