When I first saw this movie (I had bought a DVD copy on the initial day of its release), I was impressed. The dialogue was crisp, the mood was perfectly established, and it had some of the most memorable visuals of any film I had seen. After repeated viewings, I have established it as one of the most affecting films I have come across, and well deserving of its position in my Top 50.
Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is a washed up actor, who is in Tokyo to shoot some commercial ads. Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) is newly married, and has come to Tokyo with her photographer husband, who is there on business. His business keeps him away from her most of the day, and she soon begins to feel neglected.
After a few chance encounters, Bob and Charlotte soon form a bond. As Americans in a foreign country, they begin to appreciate each others' company more than they probably would under normal circumstances. They begin to hang out more often, enjoying the Tokyo nightlife, as well as engaging in some stimulating and insightful conversation.
The most impressive aspect of this film for me, is the way it so effectively and naturally assesses different aspects of relationships and finding one's place in life. Bob is in the midst of a mid-life crisis, coping with a mediocre and routine stateside marriage. He and his wife talk, but don't communicate. Charlotte is a recent college graduate and newlywed, and is beginning to wonder what her position in life is. Bob's aged wisdom and Charlotte's youthfulness complement each other well, and they form a friendship that is most deeply-rooted.
The performances by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are exquisite. They are perfect, and develop a chemistry that is unrivaled. They both give the best performances of their careers. The shots of Tokyo nightlife are also memorable, and when the film draws to a close, we begin to miss it almost as much as we miss our leads.
The film's ending is immaculate. So perfect in it's execution, that few others in history come close to it's effect. As Bob leans over and whispers something in Charlotte's ear, we can't hear what he says, but whatever it is, it stops her from crying. The ambiguity of this final sequence leads to many plausible interepretations, none of which can really be ruled out.
Lost in Translation is an experience. It is an intricate look into the lives of two individuals in an atypical situation, whose bond would probably not have been formed under different circumstances. Sofia Coppola's direction is one of the most impressive in years, and the cinematography is beautiful. Lost in Translation is mesmerising, and an experience you can immerse yourself in. It will most definitely leave an impression.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is a washed up actor, who is in Tokyo to shoot some commercial ads. Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) is newly married, and has come to Tokyo with her photographer husband, who is there on business. His business keeps him away from her most of the day, and she soon begins to feel neglected.
After a few chance encounters, Bob and Charlotte soon form a bond. As Americans in a foreign country, they begin to appreciate each others' company more than they probably would under normal circumstances. They begin to hang out more often, enjoying the Tokyo nightlife, as well as engaging in some stimulating and insightful conversation.
The most impressive aspect of this film for me, is the way it so effectively and naturally assesses different aspects of relationships and finding one's place in life. Bob is in the midst of a mid-life crisis, coping with a mediocre and routine stateside marriage. He and his wife talk, but don't communicate. Charlotte is a recent college graduate and newlywed, and is beginning to wonder what her position in life is. Bob's aged wisdom and Charlotte's youthfulness complement each other well, and they form a friendship that is most deeply-rooted.
The performances by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson are exquisite. They are perfect, and develop a chemistry that is unrivaled. They both give the best performances of their careers. The shots of Tokyo nightlife are also memorable, and when the film draws to a close, we begin to miss it almost as much as we miss our leads.
The film's ending is immaculate. So perfect in it's execution, that few others in history come close to it's effect. As Bob leans over and whispers something in Charlotte's ear, we can't hear what he says, but whatever it is, it stops her from crying. The ambiguity of this final sequence leads to many plausible interepretations, none of which can really be ruled out.
Lost in Translation is an experience. It is an intricate look into the lives of two individuals in an atypical situation, whose bond would probably not have been formed under different circumstances. Sofia Coppola's direction is one of the most impressive in years, and the cinematography is beautiful. Lost in Translation is mesmerising, and an experience you can immerse yourself in. It will most definitely leave an impression.
© 2007 Kim Bartlett
Fuck yeah, man.
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