MOVIE - LOST IN TRANSLATION - Review Rating $$$$$ $$$ (OUT OF 10)

A TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2003 SELECTION

STARRING -Bill Murray (Bob Harris), Scarlett Johansson (Charlotte), Giovanni Ribisi (John) & Anna Faris (Kelly).

DIRECTOR/SCREENWRITER - Sofia Coppola (The Virgin Suicides)

Lost In Translation is one of those rare films that is content to leisurely and powerfully develop its central characters. Even rarer is the fact that the character's development does not rely on verbosity alone. Coppola, the daughter of the late Francis Ford Coppola, uses body language, vivid visuals and dialogue in equal measure to create the atmosphere that allows for a simultaneously tranquil and intense exploration of Bob (Murray) and Charlotte's (Johansson) mutual personal isolation.

The isolation these two lonely hearts have in common has vastly different sources that reflects the difference in age and life experience between them. Bob's isolation derives from the emptiness of the realization that the trappings of success are in themselves, for many, prisons from which one cannot easily escape. In contrast, Charlotte's isolation has its roots in the naiveté of many of today's youth. As a member of a generation removed from true sacrifice (i.e. the great depression) and born into a world of previously unimaginable bounty, she is easily bored especially when she is no longer the focus of attention. Both are seeking relevance through affirmation but for different reasons.

The mostly unspoken sexual tension, inherent in such a union, serves to further draw the passive observer into the complex, intimate portrait being painted in Lost In Translation. It is the performances of Murray and Johansson that ultimately determine whether you'll be drawn to, or repulsed, by this very personal journey. Unlike so many other recent moves their is chemistry to burn between these two. Murray's performance, in particular, is understated self-deprecation at its finest and is worthy of Oscar consideration. Johansson manages to keep pace with her excellent portrayal of virginal escapism.

Lost In Translation is not without its faults. At times Coppola falls into the trap of being too pleased by her own methodology. The Karaoke night out scene not only lacks subtlety but continues long after the point has been made. Bob's appearance on Japan's version of Live with Regis and Kelly is another example of the same phenomena. This over the top sequence clashes sharply with the mood of the film. Compare it to the earlier whisky commercial scene and it quickly becomes apparent that it's a cheap repetition of ground already covered better. These two scenes, in particular, disrupt the flow of the film sufficiently enough that those in the audience wavering between admiration and disdain may be pushed over the edge.

Lost in Translation can be interpreted in many ways. You'll have to see it yourself to determine its true meaning.

Running time - 105 minutes

Check out my WORST MOVIES OF 2003 list

Alternative Reviews:

Roger Ebert's Review

Peter Travers / Rolling Stone Review

Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

Focus Features/Lost In Translation Official Web Site

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