Limits of Control

Silence has the most noticeable presence in this movie deepens the ambiguity surrounding  unnamed characters and minimal actions.
Limits of Control brings on a surreal world where silence undoubtedly reigns and actions dashed as unavailing . From another standpoint Inspiration appears as a key element,provoked by a painting or an music rehearsal .It's in praise of Perception ,as the protagonist can communicate with secret agents beyond linguistic signs,even the most complicated message is comprehended via a trained perception;An emphasized theme in Jim Jarmusch' movies (ex: Ghost Dog). It seems in Jarmusch' cinematic world unity of human nature hinges on the sense of compassion.
The mysterious well-dressed protagonist follows certain occult ciphers,practices Tai Chi, travels across the world ,meets assigned agents ,drinks espresso(2espressos in separate cups) and swap unintelligible ciphers posed in matchboxes.
He avoids sex , violence and stubbornly resist against technology; no mobile phones, no TV, and apparently no computer.He seems absolutely devoted to his mystic mission.
I like the first half of the movie,the atmosphere ,the mesmerizing tempo which is suitably accompanied by excellent Boris' music.
Approaching to the closing sequence , i lost my connection.Actually i disagree with the ideas of the film maker and also the shallow way it is expressed.The confrontation of the loner and the american (Bill Murray) is not well .Tim Evans believes Jarmusch manages to subvert the cliche's of the conspiracy thriller to bring something surreal and otherworldly.This defamiliarization is a permanent feature of post-modernism and can be interpreted in this context ,but what remains oddly and inconsistently old-fashioned is the closing.
The protagonist addresses each situation with unwavering concentration .Never gives in to the typical temptations that distracts known secret agents.
The closing sequence is a ripe conclusion;simplifying the current conflict  between suppressed subcultures and the regarded militarily rigid headquarters.Shockingly Jarmusch remains fundamentally faithful to old-school conspiracy theory.
In my opinion the first of the movie is really exciting,depicting an unnamed loner (the very first point opposing personalization),in a mysterious voyage pursuing a silent enigmatic mission.
Alas this stylistic flow leads to a undeveloped ending. 


Pedram
November 2,2010