A Pot Pourri

Rating: 10/10 (1 March 2004)

The talented Sofia Coppola received four nominations this year, winning the much-deserved award for "Writing (Original Screenplay)." I find this ironic as the film's unconventional style involves what seems like at least 100 'cutaway' scenes and very few scenes with dialogue. But then that is the film's beauty - that Murray and Johansson's chemistry (excuse the cliché) radiates through their acting and the well-directed timing of their few deliveries, leaving viewers on an emotional high throughout the movie.
The film's many cutaways consist primarily of shots of Tokyo which Sofia's crew translated (under her unique direction) from still photos she took whilst touring the city. These shots can only be described as a 'pot pourri' with their rich variety of camera techniques and colourful (sometimes unusual) subject matter. I began watching the film in a confused awe until I felt I could understand the style of the movie. Experiencing this visual-tornado in the mind alone is worth watching the film for in my opinion. As well as the treat to the eyes and heart, the film's medley from around the world was a treat for the ears, begging to be played at sky-scraping volumes.
If Sofia's entry into film industry was purely nepotism, it is clear from her work that she herself has the talent as both a writer and a director to become successful in it. All that remains is the torturous wait until Sofia finds or creates another work of visual poetry.