So disappointing

Rating: Null/10 (11 January 2004)

Like many others here, I went to this movie prepared to like it. I liked the premise, I enjoy "small" films, and I like Bill Murray, especially in off-beat pieces like Rushmore. Sadly, I came away with the feeling that, yes, it might be a bittersweet little interlude between these two characters and would be deeply affecting if it were happening to YOU. Unfortunately, it's not so riveting when you're watching it happen on screen (movies usually benefit from a plot). One is supposed to feel sorry for Charlotte who's extremely sensitive, thoughtful, and well-educated yet never manages to string two sentences together. Aside from an Evelyn Waugh allusion, there's no hint that Charlotte is intelligent yet alone educated. Her only real talent is sitting around her room in her underwear looking bored. The whole middle section of the movie - the Tokyo nightlife part - seemed an absolute waste to me. I would much rather have seen these characters actually conversing and interacting than being in one loud confusing scene after another. Like shots of neon signs and traffic? Then this is the film for you. As a side note, why is the opening shot one of Charlotte's sheer underwear clad butt? If it's a symbol, I missed its significance. One last item: is it only me, or did the whole thing seem condescending (borderline insulting) to the Japanese?