Sofia Coppola's First

Rating: 9/10 (14 April 2019)

I remember seeing Ms. Coppola in Godfather 3, opening night. I was living in NY City (Soho) in a tiny flat; 4th floor walkup. I thought she was poorly cast (not her fault; her father's). Regardless, she has a terrific eye, which is a valuable tool, for her job. This film, which I did not see until years it's release, totally blew me away with it's overall vision. When you consider this was made on the tiniest of a budget, with a very small cast and crew; plus it is all shot on location in Tokyo (and surrounding areas), and stars Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray: This is quite a feat. Of course, the actors, which also include Giovanni Ribisi, who is very good at playing a workaholic photographer married to Ms. Johansson's character (woefully oblivious to the needs of his brilliant and beautiful wife). I know Ms. Coppola is helped by people who know her father. By this, I mean it must help her in the choices made for her crew and casting. That noted, I don't care who her father is or isn't; she is extremely talented as a director, which is proven by this film especially (her first, no less), and her subsequent work. Looking at the money only, I noticed the budget was only $4 million, but the worldwide gross is well over $100 million. That is a tremendous success financially. This is great, but from my standpoint as a seriou film fan, (and I'm sure hers, as well), she has made a remarkably good film that anyone would be proud of-I surely am. Having met Bill Murray, (a co. I owned in NY City worked for him in 1990), I can tell you he is a truly authentic actor: What you see on the screen is pretty much what you see if you talk with him for a couple of hours. He is a hilarious and charming person; no pretension at all. I know how good Bill Murray is. Scarlett Johansson truly stunned me, considering she was only 17 years old when this film was made, and, first realeased. It is a special, one of a kind film; a must see.