Sofia Coppola follows up her mysterious and striking directorial debut The Virgin Suicides with this comedy drama about love and friendship blossoming out of unusual circumstances.
Set in the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan, ageing actor Bob Harris (played by Bill Murray of Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day) arrives to shoot a series of whisky commercials.
Aided by a healthy dose of jet lag, he strikes up a friendship with the young and beautiful Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson of Ghostworld), the wife of a successful photographer, visiting Japan to shoot an up-and-coming rock band (Giovani Rabisi, best known as Pheobe's brother in Friends).
We follow Murray and Johansson as their friendship develops in the streets and bars of Tokyo, with Coppola teasing us with the sexual tension between them. The will-they-or-won't-they scenario is played well, as Coppola toys with the age gap, which becomes less significant as the characters develop.
For me, the most engaging quality of this film is the unquestionable chemistry between Murray and Johannson, something that can only evolve during filming and is (unfortunately) a rare thing between lead characters. There is something both sad and life affirming about their relationship; the two characters appear lost in life, at opposite ends of the age spectrum, yet find something they want in each other.
Lost In Translation is a prime example of the kind of effect a film can achieve when a combined writer/ director is involved (see the work of veterans like the Coen Brothers or the stunning Paul Thomas Anderson), because when it works, it can mean the director knows exactly how they wish to express their ideas through the camera and can sometimes result in what feels like a more complete film, as opposed to the inevitable separation that occurs when two different artists work to different visions.
Coppola provides some beautiful moments between the two lead characters and the shots of bustling Tokyo provide a skilful contrast to a sophisticated character driven story. This film also boasts first class performances from all involved. Young and relatively new talent such as Johansson and Rabisi, blend with Murray's inimitable screen presence, to provide us with some intriguing and loveable characters.
Murray is excellent as Bob Harris. It comes as no surprise that Coppola had him in mind whilst writing the film and he is given a chance to shine in some great comedy scenes whilst effortlessly portraying honest sadness. He is perfect for the role, leaving the audience able to sympathise throughout.
Johansson is also on top form as Charlotte, giving a convincing portrayal of a dreamy but confident character, searching to find her place in life. She is already tipped to be one of the shining stars of 2004 and has some commendable script choices already under her belt including Girl With a Pearl Earring, which is also currently showing.
The one criticism I do have is the occasionally patronizing portrayal of Japanese culture (such as Bob Harris trying to get his head under the shower). While this could be seen as highlighting the cultural differences between eastern and western society, it feels a little too much at times.
Lost In Translation is an inventive and subtly moving film that strongly confirms Coppola's writing and directing talent. It is showing at the Broadway until Friday 29th January.
Lost In Translation Website
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