“The Sunset Limited” gives an enthralling side-seat view of two very different men delving into the state of our existence and whether there really is someone or something out there that cares about us or we're just alone.
The movie begins with two men, only referred to as Black (Samuel L. Jackson) and White (Tommy Lee Jones). Black brings White back to his apartment after foiling his suicide attempt of stepping in front of the fateful train, the Sunset Limited. In hopes of keeping him safe, Black engages White in a spiritual debate about the existence of God and desperately tries to show him that life is worth living. As the night progresses and the conversation grows darker, one man’s faith becomes firmer while another’s wanes dangerously.
Jones plops his butt down in the director’s chair and does a masterful job at creating an engaging and touching story. The two protagonists aren’t the only characters in the movie; Black’s apartment is very much alive. Through Jones’ use of camera angles, the room around the actors helps add so much depth to the story.
Jones not only does a great job at conducting himself but Jackson as well. The performances that come out of these two actors are phenomenal. Picture one of those times when you were younger and were forced to listen to your grandpa blabber on to his geriatric friends about the days he walked to school — uphill, barefoot, in a foot of snow. I know you are dozing off just thinking about it, but don’t let me lose you yet. Jones and Jackson make this scenario enthralling. Granted, they aren't talking about their past trips but a more existential topic. I want to point out a specific scene but the movie itself is one long scene (even if it never feels as such).
The most important piece to the puzzle is the writer of the poetry that flows from the actors’ mouths, Cormac McCarthy. “The Sunset Limited” is based off of his play of the same name and it is, for lack of a word that I haven’t used, phenomenal. He creates two men — one with no faith, the other with a plethora — and flips them. By the end of night, one man gains a new foundation to his faith and, in turn, shakes the other’s faith to the very core. The most interesting character that McCarthy creates is the Sunset Limited. This train we never see becomes such a pivotal character because it is seen as White's perfect release from the world.
I highly recommend this film to anyone who is not only a fan of Jones and Jackson but anyone who enjoys smart and thought-provoking writing.
There is also a short but sweet look into the making of the film. I had hoped that there would be much more to the featurette because the film itself left me wanting so much more. There is also a commentary from the writer and actors included on the release.
Film: 4 Yaps Extras: 2.5 Yaps