The combination is irresistible - Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson in a Sofia Coppola film taking place in Tokyo

Rating: 8/10 (3 February 2004)

Yes, why do I like this seemingly 'nothing much happening' film? But there is a lot going on - the nuanced performance from Bill Murray in a sustaining restrained lead role not quite seen before. Psychologically, underneath - much is happening. On the surface it's like two lonely people, inadvertently met, wiling their time away. Bide for a while, and then a while. Time standing still for a while for these two souls on earth - nothing specific. Just be. Being there. The subtlety of it all. It's natural - there's an uneasiness at ease.
If you ask me why I like "Paycheck," I can quickly quip: I like Philip K. Dick's sci-fi short stories, and Uma Thurman and Ben Affleck is a new combination in an action movie directed by John Woo. It's not like at a social occasion giving a passing remark: Oh, I like it because. With "Lost in Translation," can't respond in just a phrase or mere sentence.

It actually felt quite like a European film. The fact that there's no evident plotline or obvious story made it fall into non-mainstream category. However, hooray! it got recognized by fellow filmmakers/film professionals at the 2004 Academy Award nominations for the best motion picture of the year, best achievement in directing, and best writing, screenplay written directly for the screen - Sofia Coppola sure did, and YES, definitely, the best actor in a leading role by Bill Murray! Four nods are quite an accomplishment.
Bill Murray's acceptance speech at the 2004 Golden Globes, right after Diane Keaton's zesty delivery for best actress nod in "Something's Gotta Give", was the second distinguishable highlight of the awards evening. His deadpan face, subtle words that were obviously biting and darn humorous, is simply delightful!
What I like about "Lost in Translation" is in its delivery. Sofia Coppola has such a graphic visual eye. Just the beginning frame is impressive. (Reminds me of Woody Allen's Sweetland Films logo). How the opening credits appear along the shapely curve, quietly on the surface, yet the image on screen is intriguing already. It's refreshing. It's inviting. 'wanted to know more. The film is almost like a well-composed musical piece with its prelude, adagio, poi a poi, andante, dolcezza - it's free fugue for a duet, Murray and Johansson, floating between the Hyatt milieu and Tokyo by night. We get to know the two principals, slowly, by degrees, tempo picks up, flowing, pause, sweetness, softness felt - in spite of the age difference - there's no barrier to the mutual affinity. It's Sofia Coppola's poetry in motion.
Johansson's portrayal of Charlotte is so unnoticeably perfect that it matches Murray's Bob Harris with just the right strength of subtlety. Cinematographer Lance Acord (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich) gave us the Tokyo that Sofia Coppola has in mind to share: graphic patterns, like the reflections in a passing car window, dazzling neons seen from different perspectives, the sidewalk parting at a crowded promenade where they disappearingly linger. The soundtrack of selected songs and music, and the sound designs certainly made the viewing experience whole.
"Lost In Translation" is yet another outstanding addition to the many films distributed by Focus Features: Far From Heaven, The Pianist, Talk to Her, 21 Grams.
Another attempt at synopsis: two lonely souls, coincidentally met, drank together, casually chat with each other, and non-eventful events happen - impacting each other's life. It's NFE (not for everyone) but it's worth spending time with Murray and Johansson in Sofia Coppola's translated world.