The Limits of Control

Name: The Limits of Control
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime
Released: May 1, 2009
Duration: 116 min
Rating: 41
Cast: Isaach De Bankolé

2009

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 22 Critics

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 33 Ratings

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6.4	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 33 Ratings

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THE LIMITS OF CONTROL

Movie Details & Credits

Focus Features | Release Date: May 1, 2009

Starring: Isaach De Bankolé

Summary: The Limits of Control is the story of a mysterious loner, 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 alsoThe Limits of Control is the story of a mysterious loner, 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. [Focus Features]… Expand

Director: Jim Jarmusch

Genre(s): Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 116 min

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Critic Reviews

Los Angeles Times - Betsy Sharkey

A little like guided meditation with suggestions floated, waiting, left untethered. It's up to you to distill meaning -- which will leave some convinced the director is merely self-indulgent, and others deeply satisfied. Read full review

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

Empire - Andrew Male

Cool, handsome, self-assured... but, as the existentialists might say, what’s the bloody point? Read full review

Entertainment Weekly - Owen Gleiberman

The Limits of Control, even with its flow of star cameos (Tilda Swinton, Gael García Bernal, a frenetic Bill Murray), is a listless long pause that rarely refreshes. Read full review

Variety - Todd McCarthy

Worst of all, it just feels tired and recycled. Read full review

New York Post - Lou Lumenick

This is one of those movies that's too cool to have a plot. Read full review

Wall Street Journal - Joe Morgenstern

Jim Jarmusch's Dada meander, shot by Christopher Doyle, is empty and excruciating -- that's really all you need to know. Read full review

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User Reviews

JamesJ.

Jul 17, 2009

I do not agree with the negativity of the critics. Hardly ever does a movie delve so deeply into the depth of the cinematic universe. This film distills the art and history of cinema into a picturesque haiku. Bravo, JJ!