Lost in Translation

The daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, director Sofia Coppola had some very big shoes to fill. During the early stages of her directing career, Sofia Coppola didn't get much respect for her directing skills, mostly due to her father funding her projects. This changed in 2003 when she came out with Lost in Translation.

Lost in Translation centers around an over the hill actor, Bob Harris (Bill Murray), and a newlywed, Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), who are both visiting Japan. Bob is getting paid 2 million dollars to endorse a whisky, and Charlotte is following her husband who is there to do a photo shoot with a band. Bob and Charlotte are both lost in their respective lives, searching for something that will point them in the right direction. They meet each other in the hotel bar, and develop a very interesting emotional relationship.

Both Murray and Johansson play such full bodied characters that it is tough for me to see them playing other roles. Murray adds a bit of well timed, subtle comedy while Johansson plays the perfect blend of ditsy, yet endearing. They have such amazing chemistry together, that you forget that they had over 30 years in age difference. Throughout their short stay in Japan, Bob and Charlotte learn so much about themselves while being together, and they will benefit from their brief encounter for the rest of their lives.

This film is meant to be personal. My interpretation of this movie will be different than anyone else's, and I think that is what I enjoy most about it. Lost in Translation is my movie, and nobody can take that away from me. One of the last scenes is Bob saying goodbye to Charlotte in a busy market, and Bob whispers something inaudible to Charlotte that deeply effects them. This scene is what makes this movie. You can make up whatever you feel appropriate to end this movie. It is your personal film.

From the cinematography, to the dialogue, to the acting, Lost in Translation is perfect, however, my version of Lost in Translation will be different than yours. My favourite movie, and I hope you can enjoy it as much as I do.

5/5