Lost in Translation
Let's never return, because it will never be as good.
A week long adventure in Tokyo for Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson). Two strangers thrown together in a foreign land. Both bored of their marriages, with the excitement of a new relationship bubbling. Coppola manages to transmit the sense of loneliness well. The language barrier being the most obvious. Mutual insomnia allowing for accidental meetings around the hotel. Unhappiness at the current state of their marriages.
The week long relationship unfolds, reminiscent of Before Sunrise. Brief encounters in empty corridors and lifts turn into adventure when Charlotte's husband (Giovanni Ribisi) leaves town. The ending, which I will not spoil, is handled beautifully.
This role seems to have been written for Bill Murray. His personal wit appears to have seeped into the character. I had only seen Scarlett in The Man Who Wasn't There, but I am eager to see more of her work now. Virgin Suicides was an admirable debut film, but Coppola has shown herself a most capable film-maker with this film.
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I loved this movie. And it was written for Bill. She said if Bill Murray hadn't agreed to do it, she probably wouldn't have done it. The beauty of the film was understatement and the cinematography. Instead of being filled with dialogue, it was filled with background noise of the city and things happening around the characters. I think that contributed to the loneliness. Great flick... he deserves the Academy Award.
thanks for reminding me of that wonderful quote. i can't wait to see it again...and again...i own the soundtrack...i love it. i want to see more of sofia and scarlet's work as well. she doesn't talk much in girl with a pearl earring but you might want to see that too...i enjoyed it.
I agree that the ending was handled beautifully. But of course the relationship was handled so well throughout that the finale was perfect. Anything else wouldn't have worked. By the way, I was just reading yesterday at Andrea Harner's photo blog her review of Girl With Pearl Earrings, with Scarlet Johanson. I'm looking forward to seeing it. She was also in The Horse Whisperer - I'd forgotten that, then I saw it again recently on TV.
I had completely forgotten about the Horse Whisperer too. I haven't seen that in years.
I actually just returned from viewing this eloquent film. The beauty of everything, not just of the words and relationships, stirred rare emotion in me. I beleive anyone who has felt lonely in their lives (all of us) can realte to Bob and Charlotte. Anyway, I was simply wondering whether any of you who have posted comments can tell me of other movies that I might enjoy, knowing I enjoyed this one so much. I am young (17) and I feel I am missing many worth seeing.Thanks.
This is a top notch film, showing that not all films in hollywood have to have people falling in love with no regard for the people around them. a more realistic approach to love is totally welcomed. in answer to lizzy possibly try a film called "the straight story" by david lynch more emotional awakenings
The only movie I have seen that has the same excellence of cinematography is Amelie. Coincidentally, these two films are similar in that there are two lonely, and lost, people that are brought together. While Lost In Translation might be more realistic in its setting and special effects, it has a similar message. Both movies are wonderfully done, and I recommend everyone should see them.
Another film starring Scarlett Johansson (along side Thora Birch and Steve Buscemi) that you might want to check out is Ghost World. It is quite a good, if somewhat quirky, film.