Review: Limbo
Starring: David Strathairn, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Vanessa Martinez, Casey Siemaszko, Kris Kristofferson
Written/directed by: John Sayles
Review by: Joy Wyse, the SILVER Screen Critic
The Thesaurus says that another word for Limbo is Nothingness. In this case, it's not true. There is so much for the viewer in this marvelous film. The scenery alone is breathtaking. Set in the area surrounding Juneau, Alaska, you find yourself amazed at the endless terrain. It must have been what it was like for the pioneers when they first came to America, just colder.
The main focus, however, is on the characters. We get to know them as real people and we understand why they have chosen to live in such a remote area. Each has a reason for seeking a `new' life. We immediately feel a relationship for David Strathairn as Joe Gastineau, a fisherman who does odd-jobs rather than face another tragedy aboard a ship such as the one that killed the younger brother of Smilin' Jack, played by Kris Kristofferson. He is making a delivery to the wedding of the daughter of a prestigious Alaskan businessman. Various conversations at the wedding give us great insight into life in Juneau as it is…and as they wish to portray it to tourists.
Also working at the wedding are Donna and Noelle De Angelo. Donna, portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is the lead singer for the group entertaining the guests. She has suddenly decided to break up with the bandleader during a song. When she walks offstage, she coerces Joe into taking her into town to pick up her belongings.
Noelle, wonderfully played by Vanessa Martinez, is working there as a waitress. She is so good in this role. You feel all the pain, hurt, shame, and frustrations that she is going through while watching her mother again changing boyfriends, this time to Joe. Her reading of the diary later in the storyline will definitely move you.
For a while, you think that this is simply a love story, or a story about Alaska, but it isn't. It could have limited itself to that and it would have been very entertaining. Again, the characters are so perfect. I especially liked the two women, who are self-proclaimed lesbians, who stand up for their rights. And, there are the graphic scenes in the salmon packing plant.
When Casey Siemaszko, as Bobby Gastineau, Joe's half-brother shows up, the plot takes off in another direction. Survival becomes the big issue. I keep thinking about the end of the movie. It isn't what I expected. When you leave, take another look at the poster. This film is very good. I want to see it again. I give it a B+.
SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES
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