Lost In Translation

Sofia Coppola 2003

While appearing in a Whiskey commercial in Japan, Bob Harris (Bill Murray) meets Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a young wife who has been left to her own devices while her husband works. Seemingly out of necessity and a shared feeling of alienation they begin a friendship.

This film is visual poetry, Sofia Coppola depicts Japan incredibly beautifully and each shot seems so carefully chosen and constructed it resembles a postcard.

Bill Murray is breath taking in this film; his portrayal of an actor overwhelmed by his surroundings and own life is pitch perfect. The script is so natural that you feel you have been given a peek into someone else’s life. The connection between Bob and Charlotte is so simple and shows a deep love born of loneliness and understanding.

This a film with a heart that forces you to really think about what is happening, occasionally however the pace is a little slow but is often saved by Bill Murray’s excellent acting.

Ultimately I could babble on about this film but I am sure I would do it an injustice, I wouldn’t say it was a film for everyone but it is a modern masterpiece.