MovieChat Forums > The Limits of Control (2009) Discussion > Not controversial, not daring...

Not controversial, not daring...

posted 15 years ago by JayCeezy
2 replies | jump to latest

A black man from an unnamed African country.
Meets a Creole and a Frenchman, who assign him a mission.
Along the way, he meets a Spanish violinist, a British female artist/actress, an older British drug-taking guitar playing bohemian, an Italian nudist, an Asian science enthusiast, an Arab woman who is driving a car without a male escort, a Mexican musician, blah, blah, blah.

And in the end, he has to kill an arrogant white American male because of course they are source of all control and oppression. Wow, what a novel concept.*yawn* So now, everybody can make art, take drugs, be nude, play music, explore science, because "the man" is no longer keeping them down. Jarmusch must have been working on this script about 1972, the idea would have been fresh then.

[–] Anamon 15 years ago

I don't think it tries to be controversial or daring... the ending *does* feel a little tacked on, like back in old Hollywood when studio bosses would force directors to add a happy end at last notice. (Maybe that's even an allusion to classic Hollywood in itself, haha).

On one hand, I found that superficial political message completely unnecessary too, on the other hand the film might have felt a little unfinished or unsatisfying if it wasn't there. I don't think the movie tried to convey any political message at all. I would say it's central message deals with the way we watch, or ignore, the world around us. As such I think Jarmusch should have either left out that element, or make more of a commitment to it and handle it a little more maturely. Oh well, it didn't ruin the film for me.

[–] JayCeezy 15 years ago

Thanks for your reasoned reply. I appreciate sincere discussion, instead of the usual postings I see on imdb.com. Thanks for taking the time.

Above, you state, in part:

by - Anamon on Mon Dec 21 2009 21:28:24
I don't think the movie tried to convey any political message at all.

And in another thread, you write, in part:

Re: Tell me why I should appreciate this film.
by Anamon (Mon Dec 21 2009 21:47:03) What's at the end is a stupid political platitude that should have been left out.

It is possible that we are making a distinction without a difference. I do not disagree with your point that the "central message" deals with the way we watch or ignore the world around us. I guess the difference is that the "we" Jarmusch is critiquing is me.;-) But, perhaps I am a bit oversensitive, as I am a white American male. The criticism is not necessarily invalid, but it often feels like blame, and a cop-out for failures of those who consider themselves "victims". So, that is where I consider the message 'political', but I can see how another person would not. Anyway, thanks again for your thoughts. Cheers.