Directed by:
Jim JarmuschScreenplay:
Jim JarmuschCinematography:
Christopher DoyleCast:
Isaach De Bankolé, Alex Descas, Jean-François Stévenin, Óscar Jaenada, Luis Tosar, Paz de la Huerta, Tilda Swinton, Yūki Kudō, John Hurt, Gael García Bernal (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
An enigmatic loner (Isaach de Bankolé) arrives in Spain, instructed to make contact with a series of strangers in different locations throughout the country, each of whom provides a cryptic clue which propels him further towards his mysterious goal. But who is the Lone Man? Why is he here? And how does the recurring figure of an alluring femme fatale (Paz de la Huerta) fit into the puzzle? The Limits of Control is a languid, hauntingly beautiful film that combines the best of American and European arthouse sensibilities. (Arrow Academy)
(more)Reviews (2)
Two stars for nice visuals and the occasional shot of a lady’s bare posterior, without which there’d be nothing to look forward to. Isaach De Bankolé is a lucky man – to sit behind a table without having to act, just stare straight ahead and let himself be entertained by the monologues of so many acting stars... that happens to one actor in a million. The ending has its charm, but it doesn’t salvage the overall impression of a shallow, pretentious farce.
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Jim Jarmusch is one of the legends of American cinema and has such a name on a global scale that he practically doesn't have to compromise with the audience and distributor and can instead create a film to his liking. This is evident in The Limits of Control because it is an absolutely non-audience film that will bring joy to an informed fan who knows what to expect from his favorite director and what his strong side is. This means creating an atmosphere through a combination of music and camera - in this way, it is similar to other American directors - Lynch, for example. On the other hand, the plot and pace are secondary, and it can be said that The Limits of Control is so slow that it can bring the uninformed viewer and God forbid, a fan of action films to the brink of madness. On the other hand, I don't understand the merciless condemnations and dismissals of those who were able to give another Jarmusch film, Ghost Dog, 4 or 5 stars, because these films are practically the same and are filmed in a similar style. Jarmusch just slightly changed his priorities and slowed down the pace. At times, he creates a hypnotic atmosphere and leads inevitably to a refined point. The cherry on top is the presence of several famous actors in cameo roles, but on the other hand, I have to criticize the quality of the dialogue, which sometimes feels like pseudo-intellectual babble, essentially self-centered creative mannerism, and likewise, the whole conspiracy has unrealistic features and it is simply obviously artificial. Overall impression: 75%.
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