I'm an actuarial postgraduate student at City University, London in the day, and at night I turn int...
I'm an actuarial postgraduate student at City University, London in the day, and at night I turn into a massive film-geek. I'm interested mainly in film noirs, neo-noirs and action movies and also produce short DV films in my free time.
Member since:18.09.2005
Reviews:3
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Lost in Translation tells the story of two disaffected souls, whose informal chance meeting in a lonely Tokyo hotel would somehow bringing a new sense of purpose and reinvigoration into their jaded lives. Unable to cope with the solitude and indifference of the big city, their restlessness manifests itself as insomnia and during nights of hanging out together they find a little special something in one another.
Bill Murray is affective in his great personal performance as a once-famous American movie star Bob Harris, whose celebrity status has been obscured over the years and must now resort to taking up very embarrassing yet very lucrative publicity contracts in Japan. Scarlett Johansson is equally good as the nubile, highly-intelligent overachiever Charlotte, who follows her immature husband (Giovanni Ribisi) who is on a pop magazine photo job.
A very simple and honest character study dealing with somewhat complicated relationship issues; the movie pauses to reflect on the importance of romance, security and companionship while asking serious questions about whether or not platonic friendships can exist between two of the opposite sex and the pitfalls of infidelity and temptation. However, it is also beautifully shot and there are many memorable images you can expect to take home with you to keep and cherish for a very long time.
The director's choice of music is also very appropriate, and adds wonderfully to the ambience of the film. If I ever return to Tokyo one day, these enthralling sounds will undoubtedly fill my head and familiar feelings that I have experienced while watching the film will surely return. One track to watch out for is Air's subliminal "Alone in Kyoto" (when Charlotte visits a temple in Kyoto) that continues to entrance me with every repeated viewing.
The film's narrative allows a sort of visceral feeling to flow through, partly due to the way it was shot; and since it had a very small budget, all of the shots in public places and some in the hotel itself were "stolen" (i.e. taken without permission). It is very reminiscent to the Jean-Luc Goddard films in that sense, and Japan is probably one of the last places on Earth were you can get away with carrying an Arriflex around without attracting too much attention.
I understand a lot of the criticisms directed at the film, and I concede that their portrayals of the Japanese seem to be playing to stereotypes or encourage such misconceptions but I personally feel that it is mostly in good-humour and not in anyway malicious. As for the comments about the pacing of the film, I for one found it to be perfect. It maintains a very Zen calm, though maybe gradually builds speed towards the end when it gets relatively more precarious, but otherwise you should expect to be in for a cruise, not a G-force experience.
Nobody should go into this film expecting it to race from scene to scene. If you are one of these people, then you should stay well away clear from this movie.
The new DVD release by Focus Features / Momentum Pictures has an adequate amount of extras though not completely satisfactory for the film aficionado who is dying to learn more about how it was made and technical aspects of the film but I guess with a film like this, discussions about its aesthetics and creative choices are more important. There is an interesting behind-the-scenes featurette and an insightful conversation with Murray and director-writer Sofia Coppola who picked up an Oscar for this movie (I felt that Bill Murray was very unlucky not to have done the same).
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Like a good dream, Sofia Coppola'sLost in Translationenvelopes you with an aura of ... more
fantastic light, moody sound, head-turning love, and a feeling ofdéjà vu, even though you've probably never been to this neon-fused version of Tokyo. Certainly Bob Harri...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Like a good dream, Sofia Coppola'sLost in Translationenvelopes you with an aura of ... more
fantastic light, moody sound, head-turning love, and a feeling ofdéjà vu, even though you've probably never been to this neon-fused version of Tokyo. Certainly Bob Harri...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Sofia Coppola's second feature-length film focuses on two guests at a Tokyo hotel--Bob ... more
(Bill Murray) a middle-aged actor in town to film whiskey commercials and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) the young wife of a trendy photographer (Giovanni Ribisi)...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
From the director of The Virgin Suicides, Sofia Coppola, and shot entirely on location in ... more
Japan, Lost In Translation is a laugh-out-loud portrayal of loneliness and human connection. Featuring superior performances from Bill Murray and Scarlett Johanss...
Advantages: Beautifully shot, brilliant performances from both Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, great direction and script from Sofia Coppola. Disadvantages: None for me personally, but people who don’t like these types of films might find it slow and boring, some people have also complained there’s no story but I personally don’t think that’s a big deal.
Advantages: Beautifully shot, brilliant performances from both Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, great direction and script from Sofia Coppola. Disadvantages: None for me personally, but people who don’t like these types of films might find it slow and boring, some people have also complained there’s no story but I personally don’t think that’s a big deal.
Advantages: It fills in a couple of hours Disadvantages: It will be a couple of hours of complete boredom.
fallen_flame 20.04.2007 (05.08.2009)
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Review of Lost In Translation (DVD)
Advantages: Amazing fight scenes and stunts, no wires so everything you see is for real. Disadvantages: The plots aren't amazing but still watchable, not for people who don't like foreign films.
![Lost In Translation [DVD] [2004]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78520070.jpg "Lost In Translation [DVD] [2004]")
exceptional by (14%):
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