The Limits of Control

The Limits of Control

Year: 2009

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Jim Jarmusch

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

In this gripping thriller, a calculating outsider navigates the shadows of Spain, driven by a singular purpose that remains shrouded in mystery. As he walks the thin line between obsession and detachment, his journey becomes an intense introspection, blurring the lines between reality and consciousness.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Limits of Control (2009)
Trace every key event in The Limits of Control (2009) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Receiving the Briefing

Lone Man receives an obscure briefing from Creole at a bustling airport. The enigmatic words of Creole create an atmosphere filled with intrigue, setting the stage for the secretive mission that lies ahead.

Airport
2

Departure to Seville

After leaving the airport, Lone Man embarks on his twisted journey through Spain. His travels take him from Madrid to Seville, where he encounters various individuals who will each play a role in his mission.

Madrid to Seville
3

Café Encounters Begin

In a series of theatrically striking encounters, Lone Man starts each meeting by ordering two espressos in a café. These rituals lead to interactions that unfold through peculiar exchanges and coded messages.

Café
4

The Ritualistic Question

During his café meetings, Lone Man is consistently asked, 'You don’t speak Spanish, right?' This line is delivered with variations by each stranger, adding to the layers of mystery surrounding their interactions.

Café
5

Exchanges of Matchboxes

Each stranger engages Lone Man in a curious trade of matchboxes, which contain coded messages inscribed on slips of paper. These notes become crucial guides for Lone Man's future rendezvous.

Café
6

Meeting the Captivating Woman

Lone Man crosses paths with a captivating woman, who embodies boldness and invites him for physical intimacy. However, he firmly declines her advances, staying true to his moral compass.

7

Creole's Haunting Wisdom

The philosophical phrase from Creole, 'He who thinks he is bigger than the rest must go to the cemetery,' resonates with Lone Man. This existential theme reflects the ephemeral nature of human connections present throughout his journey.

8

The Adventure in Almería

Traveling to Almería, Lone Man's journey leads him to the rugged landscapes of the Tabernas desert. Through this surprising adventure, he finds himself transported by an enigmatic Mexican companion in a weathered pickup truck.

Tabernas Desert
9

Infiltrating the Fortified Compound

The desolate journey culminates at a heavily fortified compound, shrouded in secrecy. Undeterred, Lone Man employs his exceptional ingenuity to infiltrate this secure area with silent stealth.

Fortified Compound
10

Confrontation with the Target

Inside the compound, Lone Man confronts a mysterious figure portrayed by Bill Murray, who curiously inquires about his method of infiltration. Lone Man's unconventional response, 'I used my imagination,' showcases his creative approach.

Target's Office
11

Transformation on Horseback

With his task completed, Lone Man makes his way back to Madrid on horseback, shedding his tattered suit. The transformation signifies a rebirth as he dons a sweat-stained tracksuit marked with the emblem of Cameroon.

Desert to Madrid
12

Discarding the Final Matchbox

Upon emerging from the train station in Madrid, Lone Man discards one last matchbox, symbolizing the fleeting nature of his journey and the transience of human existence. This act represents a farewell to his former self.

Train Station

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 14:32

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