Review of The Limits of Control (2009) by Clare N — 31 Jul 2009

I am pretty happy to drop this as a flawless movie. But let's start with it's flaws: two hours isn't necessarily an epic-length, but a Jarmusch hour is at least worth two regular ones. Also, there is a lack of a satisfying, tangible plot. But both these things actually benefit the overall film, as Jarmusch is well intending.

One of the most striking things about The Limits of Control is it's use of sound and it's virtuoso visual composition. Every shot is a painting, and the film's quiet, slow movement allows the audience to carefully survey and enjoy each scene. It's minimal, multi-lingual dialogue (most notably from De Bankole himself) also guides the ear to the complete environment, pierced occasionally with a soundtrack well considered.

Tilda was a little out, but Hurt, GGB and even Bill Murry were perfect players. Paz de la Huerta shared her paps, generously. And De Bankole, in lead, might even shake out some nominations.

When it all wraps up, there are many things left to question. Not in an existential way, though. That would be tacky.

PLEASE BE WARNED. Not everyone will agree with me here. Metacritic gives it an average of 4/10, and the Wall Street Journal gave it a nice, round zero.