Review of The Limits of Control (2009) by Jessica F — 17 Jun 2009

A subversive little movie that explores control in all its incarnations -- from positions of power on a grand, globally-influential scale to the simple insistence on two separate cups for a double espresso. Like a lot of Jarmusch films, it breathes slowly and meditatively in an attempt to achieve some sort of Zen. But there is a disconnect between the main action of the film and its ultimate conclusion. What feels like a journey of personal discovery is eventually revealed to be... a worn-out criticism of big politics and big money. Like a smack in the face to cap off a nice massage.

Though it has all the expansive pans and long takes, it doesn't fill me with the wonder, or love, or relief, or gratitude, or curiousity I've come to expect from Jarmusch. Truly a disappointment for me.