There are few films with as much intrinsically poetic yet methodically ordinary writing that transcends the regular movie experience, speaking directly to your soul as Lost in Translation does with ease. Sofia Coppola’s sophomore film elevates everything she did in her debut, The Virgin Suicides, while introducing new directorial choices that help craft an impactful and breathtaking story in it’s one hour and forty-two minute run time. The dark blue tones of the hotel contrasted with the blinding neon lights of the Tokyo cityscape make for a unique cinematic experience where your eyes know what’s going on before the scene begins.
The film Starring Bob Murray and Scarlett Johansson as Bob Harriss and Charlotte respectively is a character study about these two characters that find themselves alone in a foreign country, where they are in strained relationships in a country where they don’t understand anything. The titular motif is both of a literal and metaphorical one as Coppola revisits this idea of our words and feelings being lost in translation. In this film Bill Murray gives arguably the best performance of his career as this jaded, unenthusiastic, washed up movie star that struggles with dealing with his strained relationship with his wife and kids and his slowly ending movie career. Murray gives a performance that is both funny and moving in equal measure, capturing a sense of exhaustion that will speak to everyone who has ever felt lost. He is complemented by Johansson’s unadulterated vulnerability, which vividly depicts Charlotte’s existential dilemma. Their obvious chemistry highlights the movie’s main idea of connection in solitude.
“Lost in Translation” is a masterwork of subdued narrative, evoking strong feelings through quiet and minute details. This movie is a timeless meditation on the difficulties of interpersonal relationships because it reminds us of the common yearning for intimacy and understanding as we watch Bob and Charlotte work through their feelings of estrangement. With the classic suave and bravado that is natural to Murray he creates a character so dejected and scorned by his family that you can see it all on his face and body language. Johannson brings a layer of intimacy and emotional grounding to the film that plays well with Murray’s character. Seeing Charlotte repeatedly get shut down and ignored by her fictional husband John (played by Giovanni Ribisi) hurts because we can see how much it affects and how her husband is aloof to this. Loneliness is a universal feeling that most, if not all, can relate to. You understand her feelings of being misunderstood but are helpless as there is nothing we can do to help. The way Lost in Translation utilizes directorial devices to set the tone and ambiance of the film is masterful and it’s a film that will be shown in film schools for years to come.
Another essential technical aspect can be seen through the work in sound design. The movie has a minimalist score, with more ambient sound and less music, allowing the audience to step into their world. The contrast of noise between Tokyo’s busy life and the quiet moments makes the protagonists feel lonelier and misplaced in their culture. Teamed with Kevin Shields’ breathtakingly exquisite score, this soundscape moves to one of nostalgia and longing that constantly pervades throughout the movie. This ties into the framing and blocking of the shots and scenes as well. Coppola utilizes a lot of negative space to allow the shot to feel like it’s hanging over the object in frame which is usually Scarlett Johansson as Charlotte and Bill Murray as Bob Harris. The use of negative space in this film makes the viewer feel a sense of melancholy and despair just by the visuals alone. The use of foreign language without subtitles is also a good directorial choice by Coppola as we feel more immersed in the film as if we were one of the characters who also can’t understand the japanese language,
Sarah Flack handles the editing, which also helps in setting the rhythm of the film. Deliberative pacing allows introspective moments wherein the audience can truly weigh every moment. In this vein, Flack edits to create a more meditation-like atmosphere, showcasing more of what is happening internally for her characters. Transitions between scenes often reflect where the characters have been and where they were going-to helplessly disoriented to piece by piece gain an understanding of themselves and their relation to other people. Coppola extends the technical elements of the movie through her direction. She pays close attention to framing and composition in order to provide visually stunning sequences that are representative of the emotional states of Bob and Charlotte. The close-ups allow for an intimate portrayal of their vulnerabilities, while wider shots often highlight their feelings of isolation within the frenetic backdrop of Tokyo.
Lost in Translation almost feels too real as if Bob and Charlotte are people that we’ve heard of, somewhere, someway, and that their lives have real stakes. The overall nostalgic and somber ambiance of the film enhances the witty and realistic dialogue and leaves the viewer with a smile on their face but a cold, sinking feeling of emptiness as the film concludes. The film reaches a crossroads when Bob Harriss and Charlotte share one of their final scenes before the characters go their own ways. They both lay on Bob’s and just discuss things that come to their mind. It feels so natural and intimate the way it’s performed I almost felt invasive watching it. It wasn’t sexual, it wasn’t romantic, it was simply two lost souls adrift in space finding solace in one another for a short period of time. You’re left with a feeling of longing seeing the film end, knowing it was a love story that could never be while also wanting these characters to find happiness in each other. Lost in Translation exemplifies how technical elements such as cinematography, sound design, and editing can harmoniously work together to convey complex emotional narratives. The film’s meticulous craftsmanship not only enhances its thematic depth but also establishes it as a poignant exploration of human connection and cultural estrangement. Lost in Translation eloquently but subtly tells the story of two star crossed lovers reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet and if you are a human being with emotions then this film is for you.
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