An irresistible combination: Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson in a Sofia Coppola film set in Tokyo

Rating: 8/10 (8 February 2004)

Sofia Coppola's film "Lost in Translation" does seem like nothing much is happening. But beneath the nuanced, seemingly restrained, performance from Bill Murray as Bob Harris (very much his own movie star persona), much is happening. Scarlett Johansson's portrayal of Charlotte imperceptibly matches Murray with the right measure of sophistication.
On the surface, it's like two lonely people, inadvertently met, casually chatting with each other, whiling away their time, and non-eventful events happen, subtly impacting each other's life. It all seem so naturally happening in the city of Tokyo, in and around the enclosed space of a high-rise luxurious hotel, 'home away from home' - there's an uneasiness at ease.
It feels like a European film. There's no evident plotline or obvious story, yet I like "Lost in Translation" because of its delivery. Sofia Coppola has such a graphic visual eye. Just the beginning frame is impressive - the opening credits quietly appearing along a shapely curve - the on-screen image is alluring, inviting and prompts one wanting to know more. It's like a free fugue, the characters of Murray and Johansson floating between the hotel milieu and Tokyo by night. Gradually, we learn more about the two principals, and there's no barrier to the mutual affinity, age difference or not. It's Sofia Coppola's poetry in motion enhanced by the selective songs/music and (ambient) sound design, along with interspersed appearance by Giovanni Ribisi as Charlotte's husband John and a complementary Japanese cast making the viewing experience engagingly whole.
Cinematographer Lance Acord (Adaptation; Being John Malkovich) gave us the Tokyo that Sofia Coppola has in mind: people movements, graphic patterns - from the reflections in a passing car window, the dazzling neon from varying perspectives, the contrasting colors/moods of the locals vs. the foreigners, to the sidewalk parting at a crowded promenade where one 'disappearingly' lingers.
"Lost In Translation" is an outstanding addition to Focus Features that gave us "Far From Heaven," "The Pianist," "Talk to Her" and "21 Grams." It may not be for everyone, yet it's worth spending time with Murray and Johansson in Sofia Coppola's translated world if you appreciate the language of films.
For more substantial story structure, try "Miracle" (the uplifting film about the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team led by legendary coach Herb Brooks, convincingly portrayed by Kurt Russell), or "Japanese Story" (the intriguing Australian film with a distinctive lead performance by Toni Collette.)
RESEND 2/8/04 ruby_fff