The Limits of Control

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  • Opened May 1, 2009 
  • 1 hr 56 min
  • R | graphic nudity and some language

  • Isaach De Bankolé stars in the lead role for Mr. Jarmusch; this marks the duo’s fourth collaboration over nearly two decades, following "Night on Earth, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai", and "Coffee and Cigarettes." "The Limits of Control" also features several other actors with whom Mr. Jarmusch has previously worked, including Alex Descas, John Hurt, Youki Kudoh, Bill Murray, and Tilda Swinton; and actors new to his films, including Hiam Abbass, Gael García Bernal, Paz De La Huerta, Jean-François Stévenin, and Luis Tosar. "The Limits of Control" is the story of a mysterious loner (played by Mr. De Bankolé), a stranger, whose activities remain meticulously outside the law. He is in the process of completing a job, yet he trusts no one, and his objectives are not initially divulged. His journey, paradoxically both intently focused and dreamlike, takes him not only across Spain but also through his own consciousness. Full synopsis

  • Cast: Isaach de Bankolé, Hiam Abbass, Gael García Bernal, Paz de la Huerta, Alex Descas
  • Director: Jim Jarmusch
  • Genres: Drama

Critic Reviews

75
Philadelphia Inquirer
| Steven Rea

Almost absurdly quiet and observant, The Limits of Control is about the space between the action, the steps along the way. Read full review

50
Rolling Stone
| Peter Travers

Even the great ones hit snags. With The Limits of Control, Jim Jarmsuch gets tangled up in his own deadpan. Read full review

50
The Hollywood Reporter
| Michael Rechtshaffen

Unfortunately, the whole seldom adds up to the sum of its illustrious parts, and Jarmusch's trademark deadpan quirks seem to have gotten lost in the translation. Read full review

50
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
| Liam Lacey

Only a few events happen in this minimalist film, and most of them keep getting repeated through most of its running time. Read full review

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Isaach De Bankole as Lone Man in "The Limits of Control."