The Limits of Control

Writer-director Jim Jarmusch has never been accused of riveting storytelling, but he takes lackadaisical to new levels in The Limits of Control, which meanders along for three-quarters of its running time before winding up with an abstract finale. Most of the film is devoted to watching a nameless, impeccably dressed, unemotional man (Isaach De Bankolé) walking the nearly empty streets of Madrid, often stopping at an outdoor café where he's visited by a succession of voluble figures, each of whom—following a recognized catchphrase and exchange of matchboxes—regales him with a monologue on some extraneous subject. Messages in the matchboxes ultimately direct him to a remote village where he ends up being taken to a heavily guarded compound to face the smarmy titan of the establishment (Bill Murray). Jarmusch presumably intends all of this to be some sort of existential parable, but despite the attractive Spanish locations (nicely captured by Christopher Doyle's beautiful cinematography) and international cast (including Tilda Swinton, Gael Garcia Bernal, and John Hurt), viewers may well feel that The Limits of Control seriously tests the limits of their patience. Not recommended. [Note: DVD extras include a “Behind Jim Jarmusch” behind-the-scenes featurette with director Jarmusch and interviews with costars Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, John Hurt and Isaach De Bankolé (51 min.), “Untitled Landscapes” location footage (5 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing film.] (F. Swietek)