That said, this is vintage John Sayles that at the same time explores new territory. Like most of his films, it seems at first to be more about character than plot -- but the plot rears its head, and as with "Lone Star," the story is unexpected and flawless. "Limbo" offers wonderful performances (especially those of the three leads), but it also boasts a knockout soundtrack (who knew Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio could sing?) and moments of quiet and eerie poignance. The ending will leave you thinking (and talking) for some time to come.
This DVD is one of the good ones, by the way -- no paltry "extras" of just a trailer or "more movies to buy!" And what a treat to actually get a chance to listen to Sayles on the commentary track -- unlike many commentaries, this one adds layers instead of stripping them. It's a hard film to forget.
There's vivid cast of local characters whose lives intersect in a variety of ways, but the film finally focuses on Joe, a middle-aged local handyman with a tortured past, played with understated strength by David Strathairn. Mary Ellen Mastrantonio, the aging country-western singer is having a budding relationship with Joe. A fine actress, she has the ability to show every frustration of her life in a single glance. Vanessa Martinez is cast as her troubled teenage daughter, a deeply challenging role. As the characters get to know each other it looks like we're in for a simple romantic tale. But then things change and the plot takes a weird twist that thrusts them onto a deserted island with winter coming, little chance of escape and murderers after them.
All of the characters live in a state of limbo, either by their own particular psychological makeup and also by the physical circumstances around them. Alaska itself is a sort of character, the excellent cinematography always there but never intruding on the people. The pacing started slow but built in intensity and the last few scenes had me squirming and wondering how it would turn out. And then, in a conclusion that will forever ring with controversy throughout filmdom, the viewer is suddenly shocked and surprised.
This film is not for everybody. It teased me, played with my emotions, made me become one with the characters. Above all, it made me think. And I know I'll be thinking about it for a long time to come. I loved it.
This is a review of the DVD rather than of the movie itself--or rather it's a review of John Sayle's commentary which one of the most lucid, informative commentaries on DVD (right up there with Three Kings). Too many commentaries devolve into a mini-cast party, hemming and hawing to fulfill some marketing obligation.
Sayles has something to say in the film and about crafting the film. He discusses the philosophy of the film, the dialog, the choice of actors (he knew the actors he wanted and then wrote the characters and dialog for them), the technical aspects of filming (especially of sound recording and lighting). Everything is done with purpose, each provides a piece of the puzzle. Does such deliberate craftmanship result in a successful movie? The answer is, well, in limbo.
