Amazing in its Simplicity

Rating: 9/10 (4 February 2004)

This is not a movie "about nothing." That's probably the biggest misconception I have seen and heard about this movie. Nothing happens? I would say: everything happens. It's a simple, beautiful, efficient story that is completely and utterly engrossing. The movie is just a shade over 90 minutes long, making it quite short in comparison to typical movies of today. But in that short span of time, you experience extreme culture shock, a dampening feeling of entrapment, a sense of longing, and you are privy to the story of two people who are lost spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
You can see the honesty behind every facet of the production...as the movie is semi-autobiographical for the writer/director Sophia Coppola. Each shot evokes some kind of emotion, without forcing emotion into the mind of the viewer. For instance, you will feel restless as you watch the characters flip through late-night, obnoxious Japanese television in their pajamas. You feel utter frustration as Bob Harris (Murray) tries to make sense of a photographer giving directions with pidgin English. The film is masterfully directed with a perfect, subtle simplicity.
This is, far and away, Bill Murray's finest performance, and also an amazing feature of Scarlett Johansson. The most dynamic part of all is the amazing chemistry between the two, which carries the film and brings you, willingly, into their world.