The Limits of Control
In 2009, the American independent film guru Jim Jarmusch made a film called "The Limits of Control" that is unique and unreproducible. Some people say that this film is about the confrontation between art and reality; The film is about the confrontation between the inner world and the outer world; some people say that the whole film is actually the spiritual journey of the killer man; some people regard this film as a magical film full of allegorical meanings, and think that the film is an illusion from beginning to end. , and analyze the characters, props and plots in the film one by one, and decipher the hints and meanings in them, such as: the killer never had a relationship with anyone other than the contact person (that is, the real world), and the killer refused the mobile phone (communication with the outside world). tools), the killer "used his mind" to enter the boss's nest. Of course, these characters are also part of an illusion, which is why naked women are so ubiquitous.
You have to admit that this is a very tense film, and it is easy to make people feel lost and confused. When you are at a loss, my alternative interpretation of "The Limits of Control" may give you a sense of clarity.
Faced with a complex equation, when I don't know how to start, I am used to using special values to bring it in, which often achieves the effect of getting twice the result with half the effort; this method also works well when interpreting this movie.
The special value I took is: this movie is an anti-hegemony theme, and the ultimate goal of the killer man is to kill the head of the US intelligence agency stationed abroad and demonstrate to US hegemony. With this special value, all the mysteries in the movie are instantly solved.
1. Comparing the strengths of the two sides The
movie starts with hiring killers. The strange thing is that they don't talk about commissions, but they educate the killers. The people who connect with the killers come from different classes and countries. What does this mean? It shows that whether it is the killer or the killed party, its financial, material and human resources are very strong, and its power is almost all over the world and everywhere! Therefore, what is reflected in the film is by no means personal grievances, nor can it be gang disputes. The Mafia is a big gang, but their sphere of influence is limited to places such as Italy and the United States. Therefore, in addition to the strength of the US intelligence agencies and the world's anti-US and anti-hegemonic forces, can you find a more suitable target?
Some say the film is about a mysterious stranger planning a crime, who has been careful to keep the line between the law and the sanction. Throughout the process, he trusts no one, his goals are not revealed, he is always between focus and trance... This is bullshit!
2. Why does the killer man keep moving and connecting?
The strength of the US intelligence department cannot be underestimated. If the killer man goes straight to the target, he will inevitably arouse suspicion. Even so cautiously, the woman in white who loves movies is still exposed and caught.
3. There are many single-line contact
killer men and many single-line contact connectors. Among these contacts, there are middle-aged men who are cautious but love music (Luis Tosar), and those who are well-dressed and love movies. A woman in white (played by Tilda Swinton), an old man who is obsessed with Bohemian culture (played by John Hurt), and a mysterious oriental woman (played by Kudo Yuki) who is obsessed with molecular biology. They talked to the killer man about music (the violin man), movies (the white-haired woman), science (the Japanese woman, and of course the woman in Mystery Train, old), bohemian (i.e. the stray, played by John Hurt) Old pole), LSD (Mexican male).
These people are of different nationalities, and their identities, occupations, personalities, and professions are far from each other. Why did these people risk their lives to join the assassination effort willingly? It is the hatred of hegemony from the heart that brings these people together.
4. Helicopters and white doves appearing from time to time
Almost every time the helicopters appear, white doves appear. The white dove represents peace and freedom, but the appearance of the plane disturbed the white dove and broke the tranquility and peace; in the beautiful and charming natural scenery, the appearance of the helicopter is so out of place and so disgusting, because it represents Plunder, war and evil!
When the little boy saw the plane, he was not surprised at all. He pointed to the plane and said: It was an American. Really meaningful.
5. Some other details
The killer man will always only order two cups of coffee, practice tai chi when he is bored, unmoved by any temptation, even if naked beauties are by his side, he is still in his arms; the only time he shows a smile is in a rehearsal hall admiring A long section of singing and dancing, listening to the elegant sound of the piano, the soulful singing, and watching the beautiful dance. Why is the killer man doing this? It can be imagined that the killer man originally had a happy family and a beloved wife, but his wife was killed in an air raid. The scene in the rehearsal hall brought back memories of his wonderful and happy life. Therefore, the killer man will always only order two cups of coffee; therefore, the killer man can be indifferent to the naked women who are close at hand; therefore, the killer man can become an assassin without any hesitation!
The joint token is always a red or green matchbox. Does it mean that a single spark can start a prairie fire?
There must be a purpose for the killer man to strangle the head of the US intelligence base with Manuel Sevillano's strings; unfortunately, I am ignorant and don't know anything about this man. Knowledgeable friends may wish to make a supplement for me.
How did the killer man get into the intelligence base? Of course not relying on any idea, but the director is not clear, or it is irrelevant.
The naked woman's raincoat and the naked woman's body indicate that the naked woman was exposed, betrayed, and was executed. It is telling the killer man that you are safe, and you can start a new life again. So, the killer man threw away the oppressive dark suit, put on brightly colored casual clothes, and merged into the crowd.
Whether my alternative interpretation is reliable remains to be discussed, but Jim Jarmusch's "The Limits of Control" is undoubtedly a successful masterpiece. Not only does the control of the characters in the film reach the limit, but also the control of the audience. reached the limit. No wonder some people say: If you can insist on watching this film, it is not a kind of cultivation for yourself.
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