I've been away for ages but I'm back with avengence!
I've been away for ages but I'm back with avengence!
Member since:30.11.2005
Reviews:220
Members who trust:49
With the free arrival of Film Four on the 23rd, I eagerly sat down to watch Lost in Translation, a film I have meant to see since it was in the cinema.
I am a fan of Bill Murray both as an actor and from what I know of him on a personal level and expected great things. I was right.
I am not a fan of Scarlett Johansson and although I had not seen her in any films but only in L'Oreal ads I was expecting a dull and wooden performance that would rely on Bill to pull her through. I was wrong.
Having read and then seen the Virgin Suicides which was directed by Sophia Coppola, I was expecting an edgy and emotional film that played heavily on the lives of the characters in a challenging and thought provoking way. I was right.
Genre: A hard one to pin point. A sarcastic drama with the tinniest hint of romance Date of Release: 2003 Certification: R (due to limited but fairly gritty sexual content) Run Time: 102 minutes DVD RRP: £14.99 Amazon Price: £4.97 Written and Directed by: Sophia Coppola Staring Cast: Bill Murray as Bob Harris, Scarlett Johansson as Charlotte Supporting Cast: Giovanni Ribisi as John
Plot Summary Bob Harris plays a one time successful and famous actor in Japan to shoot and promote an ad campaign for a whisky for the princely sum of $2million while Charlotte has travelled there with her photographer husband John (played by Giovanni Ribisi.
The two of them, staying in the same hotel are finding their time in Japan increasingly difficult to bare and strike up what can easily be considered an unusual friendship.
Charlotte Charlotte's
husband is rarely around as he flits from one photo shoot to another and there is a hint that he may be playing away although nothing is ever said about this. As a graduated Philosophy student Charlotte is struggling to find her place in life and isn't sure what direction she wants to go in. She has tried a number of creative outlets like photography and writing but is unable to get inspired. Since marrying her husband and moving to LA two years previously she finds herself feeling disconnected from the world around her.
Bob An aging actor who enjoyed success in the 70's and 80's is now having to face up to the fact that he is no longer the success he once was and has been reduced to Japanese advertising campaigns and appearing on their ridiculous TV chat shows where he cannot understand or speak a single word. After 25 years of marriage, he has to own up to the fact that his life is pretty empty. The passion and affection and love has left his marriage and his kids, although they love him don't really need him anymore. Basically he feels surplus and unable to be enthusiastic about much of anything. Is it Mid-life crisis time?
Their Relationship After exchanging understanding smiles and sending drinks to each other in the hotel bar, the pair finally speak and Charlotte asks him to come out with her and some friends while her husband is away for the week on a photo shoot.
Bob shows up in a ridiculous orange camouflage t-shirt obviously trying to hard to blend in with the youthful Charlotte and her friends. The night carries on into the early morning and involves dancing in a night club, a laser gun shootout game and karaoke back at a friend's house. Through the course of the night, we start to see a very different side to both the characters, particularly Bob, who obviously begins to enjoy himself.
Over the next week, the two spend a lot of time together, mostly at night as neither has been able to sleep since they arrived in Japan.
One particular scene which I loved was the two of them sitting up watching an old black and white movie with subtitles just talking. It is plain to see that with each other they are far less suppressed than in the company of others. They both confess to feelings of loss and being "stuck" as their relationship blossoms into something quite beautiful. In the end, the two insomniacs fall asleep on top of the bed together and Bob gently places his hand on her foot in a lovely, almost protective fashion.
After Bob mistakenly sleeps with a lounge singer from the hotel, they have a minor falling out which alters their relationship just before Bob is to return to the States. Watch the film to see if they work it out before he flies back home!
What is so compelling about this film is watching a friendship bloom into something extremely touching. There is always the hint of "something more than friendship." Personally, I was scared they would make a big issue out of this throughout the film and I was relieved that it stayed as an underlying sentiment and didn't become a focus of the film. It was much more endearing to watch two people form a bond which seemed so pure and basic.
Throughout the film, we see them grow closer; they grow braver with their sarcasm towards each other and bolder with their criticism. After Bob sleeps with the lounge singer, Charlotte comments that they must have a lot more in common. "She probably remembers you from the 70's when you were actually making films and were somebody." Their body language towards each other changes and the smallest gesture, like Charlotte resting her head on Bob's shoulder is made into a sweet moment. These moments really do become the focus of the film.
Acting I can't fault the acting in any way. Bill Murray is his usual dry sense of humour self and portrays the character perfectly making him so loveable that even his orange camaflauge alogue and fling with the lounge singer are forgiven.
Scarlett Johansson took me totally by surprise. She gave a sophisticated and honest performance and the chemistry between Murray and her was perfect. She doesn't actually speak much, but she says an awful lot without the words. He reactions to Murry are impecible.
Although his role was minor, Giovanni Ribisi played Charlotte's husband fantastically. He was believable and in the short space of time we had to get to know him, he managed to convince us that Charlotte was better off without him, allowing us to approve of the relationship she forms with Bob. I have seen Ribisi in a number of supporting roles and have always rated him as an actor. It would be great to see more of him.
Cinematography The cinematography in this film is excellent. The production team took full advantage of the Japanese surroundings which lent itself to the quality of the whole film. Every camera shot was obviously well thought out and very precise.
Soundtrack Like the cinematography, the soundtrack to the film fit perfectly. With songs by the likes of Jesus & Mary Chain and Kevin Shields mixed in with Karaoke singing by the actors the mood for each scene was perfectly calculated.
Last words on the Film A beautiful story told in a raw, uncomplicated and honest manner. A brave effort well worth the Oscar it was awarded along with the other 67 awards and 50 nominations it received. I could watch it again tonight!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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Im really not sure about this film. I watched it when it first came out and I found it empty feeling and boring in places. I can see the appeal of the star crossed lovers or whatever but simply felt it was a dull film overall. You write about it well though.
brereton66 25.07.2006 11:53
Great review, but I'm afraid the film was lost on me.
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: Bill Murray, Soffia Coppola, Scarlett Johansen, The Script, Tokyo, The Cinematography, Consumate Blend of Sublime Cinematic Metaphor and Performance with Expertly staged comedic set pieces. Disadvantages: None
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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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
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]")
Jul 25th, 2006
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