Sayles signs off the credits thus: Written, directed and edited by John Sayles. Most directors would have preferred to say the same in this order: Edited, written and directed by John Sayles. The last mentioned is often the substantive role. Sayles is not flippant when he makes these statements--he is aware of what he has contributed most in this work. It is the editing. The editing in this film is seamless and yet complex, switching from one era to another, one lighting to another with intelligent punctuation in cinematography (for example: tortillas covering banknotes) adding to the entertainment.
Sayles must be aware that he has achieved better milestones in direction than in "Lone Star." "Limbo" has a philosophical depth and maturity that overshadows the more earthy realities that lend color to "Lone Star." While individual performances in "Lone Star" cry out for recognition, the performances of the lead actors in "Limbo" are low key but nonetheless fascinating.
Sayles won plaudits for the screenplay and he deserved it. The social complexities that the screenplay presents interweaving three races and three families grabs the attention of the American social quilt. It's real and immediate. In "Limbo," the screenplay reaches out beyond America; it's more universal in appeal. The end scene of "Lone star" seems to have been the inspiration for the last shot of "Monster's Ball." While "Lone Star" will be remembered for individual personalities, Sayles' "Limbo" will be remembered for its brilliant philosophical, open-ended closing shot.
Sayles must be aware that he has achieved better milestones in direction than in "Lone Star." "Limbo" has a philosophical depth and maturity that overshadows the more earthy realities that lend color to "Lone Star." While individual performances in "Lone Star" cry out for recognition, the performances of the lead actors in "Limbo" are low key but nonetheless fascinating.
Sayles won plaudits for the screenplay and he deserved it. The social complexities that the screenplay presents interweaving three races and three families grabs the attention of the American social quilt. It's real and immediate. In "Limbo," the screenplay reaches out beyond America; it's more universal in appeal. The end scene of "Lone star" seems to have been the inspiration for the last shot of "Monster's Ball." While "Lone Star" will be remembered for individual personalities, Sayles' "Limbo" will be remembered for its brilliant philosophical, open-ended closing shot.