Some people are never meant to be. Or are they?

Rating: 9/10 (31 August 2011)

Lost in Translation is a film whose meaning varies with perception. It could be like a piece of art for some; beautiful is its every fabric. It might be an ocean for others, deep and thought provoking. And for a few, it can even be a symphony, well-composed, soothing and touching. Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is an actor traversing the descending slope of his career. He looks haggard, past his fifties, is not entirely happy with his married life and is now stuck in Japan, shooting for an advertisement for Suntory whiskey. Charlotte is a newly married girl, just done with her graduation. Her husband is a busy man. She is lonely. Bob and Charlotte meet; an unlikely couple. In an alien land where even the language is unknown to them, they find solace in one another - he a father with half his days gone, she a young woman who doesn't know her purpose in life. But some things are never meant to be. Or are they?
The movie doesn't have a plot it has a story in the form of observations made through the eyes of its protagonists. The story evokes the tenderest of your emotions as you see two distraught people trying to come to terms with their lives. The atmosphere is melancholy, but it doesn't permeate into your heart. Instead, you can't help but marvel at the subtle perfection of the build-up. There are times when the camera focuses on things in the foreground, but the blurred, Christmas-like red, blue, yellow and other resplendent lights in the background catch your eye, which when keenly observed, not only help in developing the environment, but are also a visual delight. The movie has been shot in a dim-light which suits its air. It is also symbolic of the desolateness encroaching Bob's and Charlotte's existence. The soundtrack is like drops of rain echoing through still surroundings. It is soft, but it resonates with the situation. Every scene of the film has been adroitly made by the director, Sofia Coppola. The things that have been shown on screen are more meaningful than they appear, and as you contemplate over them, things are revealed, the realization of which is sheer bliss.
The film handles emotions like newly born babies. It carries them steadily throughout, before reaching a gradual crescendo. Despite its dismal settings, there isn't a moment that causes ennui. It has been tinged with Bill Murray's sardonic sense of humour and causes an odd sense of joy, one that isn't reflected outside but fills you with fuzzy warmth - like happy memories of antiquity.
How does one complain against Bill Murray? With his performance in this movie, he just reasserts what a sublime actor he is. He is witty and cynical, but unhappy and despondent. He works with a nonchalant air. Though he is old enough to be Charlotte's dad, he carries the role with grace. Murray doesn't pretend to be Bob Harris; he is the man.
Despite the pressure of having a man like Murray opposite her, Scarlett Johansson does an impressive job as Charlotte. She is sensitive, innocent and unprepared for the hardships of the world; that is why you feel sorry for her. She remains silent through all her ordeals, and that shows her inner strength. The two blend well together, each giving a simple, but unforgettable performance in their own way.
A subtle yet distinct feature of the film is that the voice of a person speaks about his/her personality. Both Bob and Charlotte are soft spoken and their character is likewise - soft, brooding and thoughtful. They remain like that through the movie - never loud, never brash - and so does their persona. There are others, some overwrought, some morbid and some that talk really fast, which are all reflections of who the people are - gregarious, depressed and overworked, in that order.
Japan has been shown in the best light possible, without there being pretension of any sort. Even the mere sight of the monks and temples makes you feel at peace with yourself. They have shown the sunrise against the skyscrapers - the former a breathtaking beauty, the latter proof of Japan's phenomenal growth. The Japanese are a study in contrast to their American counterparts - they are excited, perpetually joyous and very outspoken. They love their guests and are infatuated with their language, even though they are horrendously lousy at it and never get the 'r' and 'l' correct.
Lost in Translation is a very niche film. It isn't for those who try and find a purpose in everything that happens. It can only be appreciated by people who notice its serenity and realize that the journey is often worth more than the goal. As for the end, it is truly spellbinding. It will mean different things to different people, like the movie has been specially designed to suit your imagination.