The plot is what was lost

Rating: 6/10 (16 February 2004)

Yes, Sophia Coppola avoided some cliches and obvious approaches in making this movie. Yes, it is a nice change of pace to see a movie that doesn't resort to frenetic action or meaningless sex. Yes, there is some nice cinematography and interesting directorial devices. But in the end, a movie must have a story, and there really isn't one here. Because of the previous points, I didn't hate this movie. But I didn't like it a whole lot either. There just isn't enough here to grab. Though it may be admirable that the plot didn't develop as we would expect, it should at least develop. And the Oscar nomination for Murray's performance mystifies me. I like Bill Murray, but this was a sleepwalking role.