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Vorpal discusses Sofia Coppola's 2nd Feature film... LOST IN TRANSLATION with Bill Murray & Scarlett Johannson!
YES!!! Harry here, and this review has me charged beyond belief to see Sofia Coppola's second directorial outing. Her first was the absolutely wonderful VIRGIN SUICIDES - and ever since I saw that wondrous film, I've been dying to see her next film... Unfortunately, I haven't seen it yet, but Vorpal's description has me anticipating this film greatly. And I can just hear Moriarty's heart pounding in anticipation of a great Bill Murray film and performance. Here you go with a great look at what sounds like a great film!
Hi there Harry and Moriarty. I'm writing in with a review of Sofia Coppola's new film "Lost in Translation." There's not much information about it on IMDB but I did find out that it's set for a limited release in September. Movie View set up the screening in my home town tonight. They said we were one of the first audiences to see the film, which I can believe considering the total lack of coverage it has seen on this website or any other, for that matter. They gave the typical routine of unfinished color and sound and boom mics in some shots. Except for some unfinished framing, though, the film seemed complete, with a finished score and all that.
So... onto the film itself. I had no idea what the film was about except for the short blurb that came with the invitation and the brief news story that ran on Aintitcool a month or so ago. To be concise, the film deals with Bob (Bill Murray), a Hollywood actor who is on a trip to Tokyo to shoot Japanese commercials for whiskey, and Charlotte (Scarlett Johannson), a recent college grad who is accompanying her photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi) on one of his shoots in Tokyo. Murray and Johannson slowly get to know each other (as they reside in the same hotel) and they develop a sort of friendship/romance.
That's the story in the proverbial nutshell. But this is not a plot-driven movie. It is a very carefully paced character piece that is sparse on dialogue but full of nuanced action and performances. To start with, the performances are all excellent. Bill Murray's Bob Harris is a somewhat similar character to Herman Blume from Rushmore, although more "toned down." He is tired and sad and has any spark of life that he once had. His wife's affections amount to Fedexing him carpet samples from home. At one point, he muses that he is making 2 million dollars shooting some Japanese commercials when he could have been home acting in a play. He feels his life is meaningless. Much of the humor of the film (and there is a lot) comes from Bob's miscommunications with his Japanese colleagues, such as when a director explains a shot to him in lengthy detail and his translator tells him that the director wants him to "turn toward the camera." Bill Murray keeps getting better as he gets older, and Sofia Coppola really knows how to use his comedic genius in a more dramatic role. This is one of his best performances.
Scarlett Johannson is excellent as Charlotte, the Yale Philosophy major graduate, coping with a new life and a new marriage. She is graceful, especially when she interacts with Anna Faris's shallow, hyperactive movie-star. She and Murray have great chemistry, especially since this type of relationship could have come off as contrived and unappealing if less talented people were involved in its creation. I've liked Scarlet Johannson in other movies, such as "Ghost World," but I think this is her best, most realistic performance.
Giovanni Ribisi has a small role as Johannson's photographer husband, but he is very good at portraying a well-meaning guy who is sucked into the Hollywood lifestyle (even in Japan). His conversation with movie-star Anna Faris epitomizes the shallowness of these interactions.
The cinematography and direction also receive praise. The camera often moves around the scenes dreamily, focusing slowly on characters or objects. The scenes of Tokyo are both beautiful and overwhelming, steeping the audience in the colorful billboards and arcades and karaoke clubs, but also majestic monasteries and mountainsides. Writer/director Coppola is not afraid to allow a scene to speak for itself through character actions and interactions and these quiet lingering moments work amazingly to build tension and a sense of growing understanding between Murray and Johannson. One of the most erotic moments I've ever seen in a movie occurs when Johannson and Murray lie on a bed talking (just talking) about their lives, and at the end of the scene Murray gently puts his hand on hers. That's it. But the film builds the sexual tension between them so slowly and effectively that this first moment of physical contact between them is more romantic, sad, and realistic than almost anything I've seen in Hollywood movies, such as the tacked-on and predictable romance between Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron in "The Italian Job." This is not romance in the traditional sense; it is more about two people with similar problems and fears who find each other when each is stuck in an isolated world of miscommunication and misperception and provide one another with support that does not seem to exist anywhere else in the world. The ending of the movie is so perfect and simple that I don't want to give it away, but it epitomizes the film's title and main theme, being "lost in translation," which in this case is both a difficult and beautifully mysterious thing.
I'm sorry if this review is somewhat vague, but I didn't want to spoil the intricate ways that the characters learn about themselves and each other and how the relationship between Murray and Johannson grows in such a way that it is not once creepy or gross or unbelievable. I believe this is one of the best movie romances I have seen in the past several years, and maybe in my whole life. Finally, I realize that I have been emphasizing the romance aspect, which is the driving force behind the movie, but there is also a lot of humor regarding miscommunications and differences in cultures. Congratulations to Sofia Coppola and all the cast and crew who do some great work here to craft an amazing movie that definitely lives up to its predecessor "The Virgin Suicides" (although they are very different films). My only fear is that some people at these test screenings may not "get" the movie and will rank it as slow or rank the romantic relationship unfavorably. I hope the filmmakers don't change much, if anything, especially not to dumb it down so that an average audience would find it easier to handle. Basically, if you want a smart, subtle, insightful, extremely well-acted comedic-romantic-drama, then "Lost in Translation" is going to be a good fit for you when it gets released later this year. If that doesn't sound appealing, then I'm sure the next J.Lo romantic comedy is just around the corner...
-vorpal
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This movie sounds awesome.
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Can't wait. That is the way an advanced review should be.
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After passing him over for RUSHMORE, CRADLE WILL ROCK, and HAMLET, the Academy has no excuse but to give this man a nomination, if his performance is on par with those three. It looks to be a weaker year for performances, and its time he is recognized for his acting skill. I happen to think he should have been nominated for GROUNDHOG DAY as well. I'll draw the line at GHOSTBUSTERS, though Peter Venkman is one of his most delicious creations.
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Jun 19, 2003 10:36:13 AM CDT
vorpal is the TB identity of a certain Mr. Spiegelman, who recen
by mortsleam
Just messin' with ya. Actually, I'm eagerly anticipating this movie. I loved Virgin Suicides, and Bill Murray just keeps getting better and better. AND Scarlett Johansson adds yet another jailbait sexpot to her resume. I'm there.
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Jun 19, 2003 10:56:35 AM CDT
Wouldn't the title, "Virgin Suicides" be appropriate for the sta
by vikingkitty
Harry's unreturned desire for Paul Anderson could lead to his tragedy. Moriarty's recognition of the fact that he's a hypocrite could convince him to put a gun to his head.
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Did I actually just read someone blaming the mythical "corporate media" for someone publishing unauthorized excerpts from Rowling's latest? Yeah, right.
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All me best chat up lines came courtesy of Uncle Bill...This sounds great... Life Aquatic next....
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Jun 19, 2003 11:09:01 AM CDT
Bill & the sexy tomboyish scarlett beanpole are belong to us in
by abar
the Virgin suicides was annoying,pretentious and devoided of emotions. Hopefully, this flick will rock. Sofia's got lots of talent..I guess.Her father's rich. Therefore ...never mind. where are the fuckin'vampire and werewolves?
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Good review, very readable. I'm glad Bill Murray is at least still trying to take intelligent roles (cough--Garfield--cough). Didn't care for Virgin Suicides, REALLY didn't care for Rushmore, though I respected Murray's performance. I wouldn't say he's getting better as he gets older. Frankly, his performance in The Royal Tenebaums resonates with the emotional intelligence of Brian Doyle-Murray...
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Good review, very readable. I'm glad Bill Murray is at least still trying to take intelligent roles (cough--Garfield--cough). Didn't care for Virgin Suicides, REALLY didn't care for Rushmore, though I respected Murray's performance. I wouldn't say he's getting better as he gets older. Frankly, his performance in The Royal Tenebaums resonates with the emotional intelligence of Brian Doyle-Murray...
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he is on of my favs for sure. My man-crush if you will. Who would have thought that the worst performance in modern film history (Godfather III) would actually be the debut of a competent, artistic director. Virgin Suicides was nothing if not interesting and crafted with a delicate touch. I find the poster who metioned some kind of MTVism to be wholly inaccurate. I will undoubtedly see this.
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Is that word an amalgam of shitty and shoddy?
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Couldn't you pick a different nickname? I'm not selfish or anything, but...well, maybe I should be flattered. Fuggedabowdit.
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Or whatever, Ghost World (ok, that was Thora Birch, but she was in it), The Man Who Wasn't There, and now this, I dunno if she's in other movies, but its a weird type cast to get.
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Jun 19, 2003 2:44:13 PM CDT
This sounds like a rip-off of my unproduced script, "COFFEE IN C
by user id indeed!
In it, a dozen of Hollywood's most expensive actors praise the glory of Tokyo's newest messiah, "Coffee in Can," considered by many corporate executives to be the greatest thing since pretzeled bread. Here's an excerpt: Colin Farrel: "Oy! I'm fookin' Oirish, an' I don' give a shite! Drink Coffee in a Can! It's loik Guinness, only it's coffee! Top of the mornin'! Oy! Fook!" My script resonates with emotional authenticity and structural soundocity. I painstakingly researched the personalities of each celebrity. Here's an excerpt from Sean Connery's segment: "Ach! Begorrah! Ah'm gonna play shome golf, cush ah'm a womanisher! Ach! Ah'm the lasht dragon! We live in the shtarsh and drink lotsh of Coffee in a Cahn! It makesh ush breathe fiyah! Ach!" I pitched this script to over three hundred movie studios, including "Route 666 Films," which I believe is run from a bush along I-70 in St. Louis. They all turned me down, but when the masses discover my emotional resonance, they will champion me! Here's an excerpt: "Ay ay ay! Arriba! Me llamo Benicio del Toro, and I like to take American jobs all for myself! Ole! When I take siesta after giving drugs to babies, I drink Coffee in a Can, and I turn siesta into fiesta! But then I take another siesta, because I am lazy Mexican. I like to put drugs and jumping beans in my Coffee in a Can. Arriba!" Someday I will win every Oscar in the world, and then my epic masterpiece will be praised from the peak of Mt. Everest to the summit of some other mountain! They will pay. "I'm Tom Cruise, and I'm short! I'm a Scientologist! When the aliens come and take me to Planet Short, I'm going to miss my Coffee in a Can. But I will be King of the Astro-Midgets, so I'll manage."
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As far as I am concerned, anyone who had anything to do with Rushmore gets a free pass from me. I love that movie.
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Hey vorpalbuni. This is "vorpal." Sorry, didn't mean to steal your name, but this is the name I go by in all my other online dealings. I've only posted a couple times on talkback, though. Does the world have room for more than one vorpal?
Snicker-snack.
I hope this film gets a decent release. It deserves to find an audience. -
"The Virgin Suicides" and "Picnic At Hanging Rock" are damn near the same movie?
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Jun 19, 2003 4:37:06 PM CDT
Murray Is My Favorite Actor & This Is Probably Okay For What It
by buzz maverik
...I really am not interested in movies about movie stars and their movie star problems. I know this is the world that Coppola knows and film buffs tend to develop this sort of mono-vision. I'm starting to think this is why good stuff like ADAPTATION tanks. It's not part of the real world. Fantasy is cool, people will go for it but movies about movies and the people who make them have a very small appeal. Yeah, THE PLAYER, etc., but you know what I mean.
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I drew my Snicker Snee, my Snicker Snee! and thus I have nethack and Gilbert & Sullivan destroying my brain simultaneously.
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The Virgin Suicides seems a little too precious and dull. I just can't get myself to watch it. Navel Gazing for sensitive women.
However, I really enjoyed Roman Coppola's CQ. I didn't expect much, but is was funny and thoughtful and managed to build a whole little world out of atmosphere. Jeremy Davies' character was a great mix of sensitivity and narcissism.
I'm not sure why more AICN types didn't get excited about CQ. Especially the loving recreation of B movie sci-fi. -
...and doesn't bang her??!!??? sounds like a load of arty farty shit to me..here is how my version would've gone.....
lost in translation
by slade justice.
bill murray plays a former action star actor who has gone to japan to film an ad for beer. the studio they film in is taken over by yakuza gang members in an effort to hold everyone to ransom until japanese officials free their leader yugitoto mugaki...the most vicious and demented japanese ganglod ever. his brother,sato, who is possibly even more pyschotic than him is the leader of the group who have seized control of the studio.somehow murray and johannssen (or whatever her name is) manage to hide in the studio. away from the gang members.murray puts his hand on her leg. then he bangs her. he then takes on the gang and makes them play the game HIS WAY. he takes out the gang one by one all the while he is contact with a japanese cop by a walkie talkie who is outside the studio trying to keep his bosses calm before they storm the building. his bosses don't believe and there is a lot of comedic elemnets as he and murray try to understand each other languages. the cop is also three days from retirement. muarray slowly but surely takes out all the gangsters one by one. the end scene sato captures johannssonson and murray makes sato feel a lack of pride by taking a woman hostage and not being man enough to tkae him on by himself(because his cop buddy has taught him that while they are criminals they still have an enormous amount of japanese pride) so now it is face of time with sato and a fight ensues. murray takes a beating but finally overcomes him and the cops surround them. the cops take sato away and murray and johannezsson embrace. but sato struggles free from the cops, grabs a gun and races towards murray..johanahanasson screams "nnnoooooo" murray spins around sato shoots. he misses and murray with gun in hand fills sato full of lead. the cops (except for his walkie talkie buddy who he now shares a deep bond with) are mad at murray for this and they say..'we told you - americans not to kill anybody' to which murray replies (as only he could) "sorry, must've got LOST IN TRANSLATION" ROLL CREDITS -
with Bill Murray as Paul de Man
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Jun 19, 2003 9:23:25 PM CDT
murray plays a character who "works for whisky money"
by jackburtonlives
man that must have dropped like a bomb when they announced that in the boardroom. "Mr. Murry, you will play a character, who um er (embarrassed pause) works for beer money". (silence, nervous glances -- bill murray looks up fidgeting) "Well... i um... that's a bit of a streeettcch! but i think i can handle it" (nervous laughter, shuffling of papers in the boardroom).
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Jun 19, 2003 11:36:49 PM CDT
Waiting with bated breath for next "scandal" at AICN
by jackburtonlives
let's face it: Harry and crew learned that scandal sells. during SUPERMANGATE, hits soared and advertising revenue poured in. Harry's constant baiting of TBers in his FAST AND THE FURIOUS 2 review was so transparent as to be provocative: the gay references, etc. In short, he was begging to be ripped apart in the TB. but it didn't work. Next, Moriarty posts a completely out of character RANT about pirating and industry ETHICS, just begging to be flamed to death. and he was... hit increase... AICN marketing dept. breathes a sigh of relief. ("Com'on Harry, we got to get those numbers up!"). I'm waiting for the next "scandal" to "rock" AICN. Hellboy anyone?
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Incredibly strange feel to that movie. It misses greatness to be sure but the just plain creepiness of the whole picture makes me extremely excited for this flick. There is a quality to Virgin Suicides that makes you feel like there is a DIRECTOR behind it. Just a haunting, haunting film. Seriously can't wait for this to come out.
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There's a scene in Ghost World where you can clearly see that her nipples point UPWARD. They're in a video store or something and they're looking right at that Thora Birch's face. Nips
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...with harold ramis as gershom scholem, dan ackroyd as martin heidegger, p.j. soles as gisele freund and marlon brando as the entire frankfurt school? dear g-d, if only aicn suddenly became a clearing house for academic gags about hollywood...good one, mr. crab, sir.
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PERIOD.
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