THE LIMITS OF CONTROL

Guy’s hmmm?...

When Girl and I watched this, we laughed and sat silent in confusion as characters entered upon the screen either in slow motion or just naked. I think that’s the beauty of a filmmaker like Jim Jarmusch: He has reached a point in his career where he can do exactly what he wants. He has that built in audience who will watch whatever he does. I am one of those people.

If you watch this thinking that you’ll get a “Down by Law” or “Ghost Dog: The Last Samurai” experience then you’ll be really disappointed. I almost wish that I came in to this movie without any expectations so I could experience his filmmaking for the first time (Girl will probably have more on that).

This movie is pretty much about a guy/assassin called the “Lone Man” who by some weird encounters with people, all of whom ask him if he speaks Spanish, leads him to his attended target. Yes, he will get his man, who is played by Bill Murray.

There’s really no story here, just a collage of weird yet interesting characters and beautiful locations. It feels like he only made this movie as an excuse to travel the world. Sadly, I didn’t watch this in HD which would have made the viewing a lot better.

Guy’s Rating: I don’t know how to explain it but there was something here that made me love it.

Girl's love of the obscure...

There was no point to this movie, no concrete story, no in-depth characters, but it was great! This film had a sense of self that was humorous and unconventional, making the watching of it thoroughly enjoyable. Guy's right when he implies that I have no idea who this director is or what kind of movies he makes, but I like him because he is mad. Between the woman who doesn't seem to own a stitch of clothing, to Tilda Swinton spinning around in a trench coat and an umbrella, to Bill Murray randomly showing up in the end as the mysterious "bad" guy... I can't even guarantee that he was the bad guy as they barely touch the surface of what he even did! It's only implied that he is bad. Plus, he is Bill Murray. He is the best bad guy around! So sarcastic, so amusing.

Girl's Rating: Something about this movie was funny. I'm not sure exactly what it was, but I laughed, and that's all that really matters.