THE PLOT THUS FAR
The Sunset Limited is a searing, two character drama that mixes humor and pathos while examining the relationship between two strangers who are brought together by desperate circumstances. The story focuses on two very different men – a deeply religious black ex-con (Samuel L. Jackson) who thwarts the suicide attempt of an asocial white college professor (Tommy Lee Jones), who tried to throw himself in front of an oncoming subway train, the Sunset Limited. As the one attempts to connect on a rational, spiritual and emotional level, the other remains steadfast in his hard-earned despair. As their philosophical debate progresses, each spar passionately to defend their personal credo and convert the other.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
The duality of belief is analyzed completely in this great approach of the Cormac McCarthy novel in which the two main protagonists, “named” simply Black and White are debating over a serious and dangerous issue. The movie also promotes religion and is an ongoing boredom that I completely despise.
This has a greater meaning than just that. We live in a world filled with pathetic lies, corny truths, raised flags over white buildings and big letters over or on the dark ones. We live in a world where prostitution is legalized even in the cultural state of the society. We live in a world where rejection, where pain, where slavery and failure are common attraction to the atrocious tourists
The film is a debate between a suicidally depressed atheist and a jail-house Christian convert who saved his life once and is trying to save it again. These men want to know whether life is worth living, and the central metaphor is in the title–to catch the Sunset Limited is to step in front of a speeding train.
The DVD comes with a commentary and making-of featurette. The A/V Quality is strong enough for standard definition, but it pales when compared to the HBO HD broadcast. The Dolby Surround track supported the dialogue and limited sound effects, but the transfer felt a little timid. There was a point where I couldn’t tell what was going in the background, but the stage seemed to play almost as a black box stage. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: 02/07/2012
