Lost The Plot

Rating: 1/10 (18 February 2004)

This film reminds me of the rubbish I used to write as a teenager. Interesting to nobody but myself. The fact that millions of dollars have been lavished on it simply gives it credibility it does not have. I like the central premise of a one off meeting between two people that stays with them for the rest of their lives. But when that happens in life it's usually down to a spark... something happening. Here nothing happens and Sofia Coppola isn't brave enough to contain the film to the time frame of one night. I even suspect this was a play that Sofia turned into a film.
The poignant moments aren't very poignant. The comedy isn't very funny. To spend time with either of the two lead characters would bore us into submission. And this despite the fact that it has Bill Murray. And you get the feeling that a much funnier, or more poignant film is happening elsewhere between the photographer, Starlet and lounge singer.

Go watch Rushmore ... for Bill Murray's best performance. Go watch Lawn Dogs for an Indie film that knows how to strut it's stuff when it comes to odd couples. Or indeed Ghost World that also shows the relationship between an older man and younger woman. [And also has Scarlet Johansson, pouting in a very similar way.] And go watch Virgin Suicides for a better example of film making by Sofia.
It would be wrong to say that this movie is awful, but it comes pretty close.