Bill Murray in a good movie again? Thank God yes!

Rating: 10/10 (16 September 2004)

One of the films of last year in America, this came to our lovely British shores earlier this year. I have to admit I passed it by in theaters in preference of some more spectacle and action kind of fare. In truth I shouldn't have but this film does make great home viewing and doesn't lose anything whereas a big epic sort of film is always best viewed in the cinema.
This marks a welcome return to form for Bill Murray as a leading man. Years have past since he did great films like Groundhog Day and it's a shame because he's a comical genius and a very good actor. As an actual actor I rate him higher than some of his comedy peers of his generation like Steve Martin and Dan Ackroyd. Murray is excellent in this film as actor Bob Harris, on the tail end of his popularity but on a commercial trip to Japan where he is still immensely popular (much like Hasselhof in Germany if you will.). So he is there earning money on making Whiskey adverts. He's bored, he's lost, he's in the middle of a mid-life crisis and is totally alone in a strange land. He then meets and starts a relationship with young, married Charlotte, played by Scarlett Johansson. Much has been made of Johansson with her success in this and Girl With a Pearl Earring and she is certainly one of the most promising young actresses around. She is uniquely gorgeous and has a distinct voice and very distinct looks, very beautiful eyes and lips and certainly is now a big Hollywood hotty. The film basically follows these two soul searchers as they spend time together and enjoy each others company. It's not sexual in any way initially, it's a pure friendship and there's almost a fatherly attitude from Bob.
This film is very enjoyable. It's almost tragically funny at times and the characters are warm and likable. The biggest asset in this film is subtlety. The drama, comedy, direction, music and performances are all quietly contemplative and subtle. Sofia Coppolla, daughter of Francis (Godfather 1-3, Apocalypse Now) does a great job in directing this and as the scriptwriter she has created a heart warming and charming story of companionship through alienation. I loved the soundtrack in this too, all the music worked as did the scoring. This is most definitely one of the highlights of a primarily disappointing year. It's simplistic, not too taxing and nicely paced, it's just an immensely easy film to sit and enjoy. *****