Limbo

Limbo Photos

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Cast & Crew

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Donna De Angelo

David Strathairn
Joe Gastineau a.k.a. Jumpin' Joe Gastineau

Vanessa Martinez
Noelle De Angelo

Kris Kristofferson
'Smilin' Jack Johannson

Casey Siemaszko
Bobby Gastineau

Kathryn Grody
Frankie

Rita Taggart
Lou

Leo Burmester
Harmon King

Michael Laskin
Albright

John Sayles
Director

John Sayles
Writer

Maggie Renzi
Producer

Mason Daring
Original Music

Bruce Springsteen
Original Music

Haskell Wexler
Cinematography

John Sayles
Film Editing

Lizzie Curry Martinez
Casting

Gemma Jackson
Production Design

Keith Neely
Art Director

Brian Kasch
Set Decoration

Shay Cunliffe
Costume Design

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Audience Reviews for Limbo

• Jun 30, 2013

  John Sayles' Limbo is a fascinating film on many levels. It's a drama in the truest sense of the word, with interesting characters, relate-able situations, realistic world building, and character dynamics that interweave seamlessly to create a really compelling story. At the same time, Limbo is markedly different from other dramas. It utilizes a unique narrative format, unconventional in its approach. It shifts between characters, juxtaposed with other story-lines, but all in an inner-connected and coherent way. So unconventional is this approach, that Limbo almost mesmerizes the viewer with its story and themes. We are never so much concerned about the plot developments as we are the characters themselves, and how they are feeling in any given moment, a hallmark of excellent direction, and any intelligent drama. As such, Limbo's script is both intelligent and often ingenious. It clearly has a point, but underscores it in a very subtle way. The dialogue took a while to get used to, but remains consistent and true to itself, in such a sort of stylized way, that it becomes part of the film. The acting in Limbo is also quite strong, with a terrific ensemble cast. This is headlined mainly by the underrated David Strathairn, with one of the best dialed-down (as his characters often are) performances of his career. He is matched well with Mary Mastranton and Vanessa Martinez, in an especially impressive performance. The one aspect of Limbo that some are bound not to like is it's ambiguous ending. Some may look at it as a cop-out. Such criticisms are valid to an extent, although I found it daring. Had the film not earned the moment, I'd be upset, but, as it were, it felt in-line with what the film was trying to convey, an enormous sense of uncertainly, with both characters and the physical world. 4/5 Stars
  Jeffrey M Super Reviewer
• May 10, 2013

  An ex-fisherman falls in love with a singer, but their relationship is tested when they are stranded in the Alaskan hinterland. This film is two films in one. The first is a continuation of <i>Silver City</i> set in Alaska, and the second is a mildly compelling survival tale. I side with the anti-corporate political points director John Sayles elaborates on in the first part of the film, but like <i>Silver City</i> and anything Richard Linklater has ever done, the politics seem preachy and aren't especially compelling as a story. The survival tale is pretty good, but it doesn't reach the levels that films like <i>The Edge</i> or even the less compelling <I>127 Hours</i>. Other critics have called the ending of the film "contrived" and a "cop-out," and only because they have commented on it, I'll weigh in with my agreement. Sure, the ending fits with the title and maybe even the film's theme (this is a place in between modernity and tradition), but I ultimately just rolled my eyes during the credits. Overall, I think fans of John Sayles know what they're getting, and most people would only find this film because they like Sayles.
  Jim H Super Reviewer
• Apr 04, 2009

  An absorbing story about appealing, rounded characters. The more you think about the way it ends, the more you realise that any other ending would betray the purpose of the story.
  Robert F Super Reviewer
• Sep 24, 2008

  Another winning film from Sayles.
  Anthony V Super Reviewer

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