Lost In Translation

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray.
Directed by: Sofia Coppola
Release date: October 2003
Trailer: [via YouTube] [via official site]

Lost In Translation is a film that
almost defies categorization, but let's slot it into comedy-drama, actually I guess that's a pretty snug fit. Now let's get on with what really matters, is it a good film? In short, yes. What makes it good? Well allow me to tell you...

Let's start with the casting, you'll forgive me if I almost wrote 'inspired casting' there I'm sure, because there couldn't be a more perfect male lead than Bill Murray. We've all seen his dry, witty, cynical characters in many a film, it's practically his lifeblood and here he'll retain his comedy genius in spectacular style. His character, Bob Harris, is an aging film star, married with kids, and stuck in Japan promoting a whisky and it's clear from the beginning he's a fish out of water both with the cultural differences and with his 'selling out'. Despite his obvious depression, he'll be the one keeping you laughing throughout the film.

Moving on...Scarlett Johansson. Now I confess to not having recognised her from anything when I first saw the film, and having heard she wasn't a terribly great actress, but if that's the case she managed to fool me. Her performance is nothing short of outstanding as the young, married and disillusioned Charlotte. Unsure of what to do with her life and feeling distanced from her husband, she too is immersed in a culture she doesn't understand.

So it begins. Two lost souls, unable to sleep and in unfamiliar surroundings have their chance meeting in a hotel somewhere in Tokyo and so begins the friendship that carries the movie. Now if you're coming to this film expecting some kind of epic romance you're going to be disappointed. Bob and Charlotte never vocalise their feelings for each other, but the truth is, they don't have to. In fact, they don't really say much at all. At one point there's a very clear opportunity for them to consummate their relationship, but they don't. Not even so much as a kiss. It shows the integrity and honesty of both characters well and to be honest, it's refreshing. It's apparent there's something deep between them and I'm thankful that we're thought intelligent enough for it to remain unsaid. All too often a film will spell out the obvious.

The central relationship between Bob and Charlotte is far from the most beautiful thing in this film though. Japan itself is one of the stars of the show, and it's shot beautifully at every turn. Another commendation to Sofia Coppola comes when we look at the soundtrack. Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine fame provides some of the outstanding tracks and when MBV's Sometimes fills your ears, you'll swear blind it's the greatest use of music you've heard since Pulp Fiction. Air is another notable and welcome addition to the soundtrack and to top it all off, Jesus and Mary Chain - Just like Honey will crown the closing sequence perfectly.

Now about that end scene...Some will find it disappointing, and to be honest if you're one of those people (you probably wanted them to fuck like rabbits, right?) you probably weren't as enthralled by the film as I was. If you're anything like me you'll think it couldn't have been more perfect. One solitary moment for Bob and Charlotte only that we'll never be privy to. Of course if you're really curious you can sift through the bowels of the internet (I'm looking at you YouTube) and find a digitally enhanced end scene which tacks on some subtitles and convinces you that's what's being said. Whether it's truly what was being said or not, I can't tell. But I'll say this, even if it is, it makes the ending no less ambiguous.

So how to sum the film up? It's beautiful in every sense, dripping with atmosphere, intense, funny, gripping and wrapped in an amazing soundtrack. What more could you ask for? What? Monkeys juggling chainsaws...OK well, fair enough.