The Sunset Limited

A Film Review By: David Ramirez


The Sunset Limited 


★★★★/★★★★

In The Sun Set Limited we have two nameless characters, a God fearing ex-convict played by Samuel L. Jackson and a professor played by Tommy Lee Jones. Just before the film begins, Jackson saves Jones from throwing himself in front of a train, the Sunset Limited. Jackson is an ex-convict and an evangelical Christian. Jones is an atheist and a professor. They debate the meaning of human suffering, the existence of God, and the propriety of Jones attempted suicide.


Tommy Lee Jones not only stars in “The Sun Set Limited” but he also directs the film, and he does a great job as both an actor and director. One of the tasks Jones undertakes is to tell us a story that takes place entirely in one place, Jackson’s one bedroom rundown apartment. This could be a daunting task but Jones takes it and makes it part of the story. He does this with various camera shots, and angels. As one of the film’s stars he truly delivers a great performance.


As he speaks of his lack of faith in God and all around lack of faith in humanity, we hear some very real conviction; and underlined sadness. The emotion does not only come across in his words, but in his facial expressions’, and his tired run down look. This has to be one of Tommy Lee Jones best performances.

Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson star in HBO film,
"The Sunset Limited"

Samuel L. Jackson plays the ex-convict and evangelical Christian who has stopped Tommy Lee Jones from committing suicide. Much like Jones, Jackson delivers a great performance, one he will be remembered for for years to come. Jackson is known for being an over the top performer, and in this film he does have one over the top moment, but it truly works for this character. One of the most outstanding things about Jackson’s performance in this film is the way he makes us believe that despite his surroundings and Jones negative attitude his faith remains intact; and that he will not let his surroundings get him down.


As he tries to show Jones that there is another way other then suicide, he is constantly met with resistance but still refuses to let it get him down, and he does not waiver in his faith. It’s the characters’ unwavering faith and motivation to do Gods work and Jackson’s performance that truly makes him a compelling character.


An interesting and unconventional part of “The Sun Set Limited” is the fact that the film takes place entirely in one room. One would think that after awhile you would lose interest due to the fact that the environment doesn’t change, but you don’t because of the performances delivered by the stars. The back and forth that goes on between Jones and Jackson keeps our interest, and you can easily get lost in the emotions that are delivered. The actors were both so authentic, really bringing to life the two distinct points of view.


To say “The Sun Set Limited” is a moving and very powerful film would truly be an understatement. The film takes a very bold and eye opening look at faith and the lack thereof. I would highly recommend that you take a ride on “The Sunset Limited”.