The Sunset Limited (2011)

Through a chance encounter, two men of opposing ideologies deliberate spiritual, philosophical, and profound matters in a New York City apartment.

Director:

Tommy Lee Jones

Writers:

Cormac McCarthy, Cormac McCarthy (play)

Stars:

Samuel L. Jackson, Tommy Lee Jones

1 win & 7 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Samuel L. Jackson	...	Black
Tommy Lee Jones	...	White

Storyline

Two men in an apartment with their opposing beliefs in this play by Cormac McCarthey. The black guy, a former convict who believes in God, just saved the white atheist professor from jumping in front of the express train. He won't let the depressed man leave, without following him, and feel he's in this situation for a reason, decided by God. An intense chamber play about belief or unbelief, and a conversation about what's true and important in life, or not.

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Plot Keywords:

minimal cast | dialogue between two characters | suicide attempt | dialogue driven | atheist | 

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Taglines:

Nothing is ever black or white.

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 February 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Sunset Limited

Filming Locations:

Garson Studios, College of Santa Fe - 1600 Saint Michaels Drive, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Films, The Javelina Film Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In terms of IMDb profile identification numbers, Tommy Lee Jones (169) comes right after Samuel L. Jackson (168).

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Goofs

Black (Samuel L. Jackson) sits down in the middle of the couch and puts his arms across the back. In the next shot, he's a little more to one side with one arm resting on the side of the couch. In a shot after that, he's back sitting in the middle of the couch. 1:13-1:14

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Quotes

[first lines]
Black: So what am I supposed to do with you, Professor?
White: Why are you supposed to do anything?

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Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Movies That Take Place in One Room (2016)

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Soundtracks

Wants to Be in Heaven When the First Trumpet Sounds
Arranged by Lillie Knox and Alan Lomax
Performed by Lillie Knox
Courtesy of Rounder Records & The Alan Lomax Archive
By Arrangement with Ocean Park Music Group

User Reviews

A shining example of story telling

This movie with Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones transcends us back to a time when movies relied on the deepness of story lines and not on special effects or loud soundtracks. This movie takes us to the extreme test of our faith, in what we believe about the seen and unseen. It also reminds us that at times we are so busy trying to save others we forget to save ourselves, and sometimes almost become lost in the process. The acting talent of Mr. Jones and Mr. Jackson makes for a powerful movie and leaves us evaluating what we ourselves believe. Tommy Lee Jones' directing style makes you feel as if you are a third person in the room being an observer to the debate that transpired between both characters. If you need to be amused by bells and whistles, this is not the film for you, but if you enjoy film making at its purest form, with deep plot lines and dialogue this movie is a must see as these characters will haunt you long after the lights come back on.