Movie: Lost In Translation
Starring Bill Murray, Scarlett Johannson
Written and Directed by Sofia Coppola (Focus Feature Films)
Reviewed by Rusty Pipes

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Quick, what's the Japanese word for "ennui?"

The critics all love the first feature from Sofia Coppola, Francis Ford Coppola's daughter. They call it "hilarious" like it was laugh-a-minute slapstick. I like this movie a lot, but I wouldn't call it hilarious. LIT has its moments but its humor is mostly the droll situational sort -- perhaps not everyone's cup of chai, but it is quite enjoyable nonetheless.

Bill Murray plays Bob, a former action star who's come to Japan to make commercials for Suntory whiskey. Scarlett Johannson plays Charlotte, a young wife whose photographer husband leaves her to fend for herself while he works in Tokyo. In both their cases Japan becomes a metaphor for being lost in a life that's impossible to understand. The film slowly revolves around Bob and Charlotte becoming friends, even falling in love, in spite of the differences of age and background.

Scarlett Johannson reminds me of a young Roseanna Arquette. She's charmingly capable here, but the part really doesn't allow her to show a whole lot of range. Likewise Bill Murray has had more challenging roles recently, Rushmore comes to mind, but he's matured enough not to overplay the part and in the end both of their work is very satisfying. I just think first-time director Sophia Coppola wallows in Bob and Charlotte's moodiness a little too much. The story doesn't move very fast and easily could have been twenty minutes shorter. That's only a minor complaint though. Lost In Translation easily bests the predictable Hollywood drek that passes for love stories and I am sure we have not seen the last from Sophia.

The Skinny:
Am I glad I saw the film? Hai, I mean, Yes!
Would I go to see it again?
Funny but sleepy
Used video sits alone
Lost In Translation

© 2003 - Rusty Pipes