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Max Mooney hails LOST IN TRANSLATION
Hey folks, Harry here... I'll continue to push LOST IN TRANSLATION for a while simply because this is a movie that really does deserve to be heard about and ultimately seen. Absolutely wonderful film. Here's someone else that'll tell you the same...
Have been a fan of the site for a while but never written in but wanted to say that Ford Fairlane's heart must be lying next to mine on the floor in pieces... my take on the new Sofia Coppola film goes like this:
Finding loneliness in a city of millions is not that difficult a task. Millions in New York City manage daily to do just that - - searching for a connection to someone or something real amidst the hustle and bustle of the impersonal 'real world.' Finding beauty in that loneliness and isolation may be more difficult a proposition but Sofia Coppola does just that in her latest film, Lost In Translation.
Set in Tokyo, a city that can make New York seem like the Little Apple, this film successfully conveys the sadness and disorientation of being not only alone but also sleepless in a foreign place. That said, it also shares the joy of finding a connection in the least likely of places.
Bob Harris, played by Bill Murray in what is arguably his finest performance, is an American movie star who is being paid $2 million to advertise Suntory, a Japanese whiskey. Although this is done by many Hollywood luminaries so as to not dim their 'star power,' Harris comments that he is in Tokyo being paid this outrageous amount of money instead of 'doing a play.' He is dissatisfied in his career, his marriage is troubled, he has forgotten his son's birthday? he is 'lost.' And his jet lag has turned into a full-on bout with insomnia.
Enter Charlotte. This recent college grad (philosophy) has followed her photographer husband to Tokyo so that he can take image-changing pictures of a local rock band. As he is often working, Charlotte finds not only many daytime hours to herself but has also been unable to sleep as well. Scarlett Johansson emerges here as a screen presence to be reckoned with. Impressive turns in both Ghost World and The Man Who Wasn't There were nothing compared to the subconscious turmoil and quiet desire on display here.
The two leads meet and quickly become friends (more?) who share a need for human company as well as a bemused fascination with the locals. Video game rooms, karaoke bars and the like are all explored and the language barrier proves to be more entertaining than hindering to the pair. The city comes alive with an energy and sense of vitality that often only translates on screen. But I bet that anyone who sees this film will be online researching airfare to Japan the next day.
Coppola allows her camera to capture the almost ethereal beauty of a crowded metropolis as well as the palpable chemistry between her two leads. Many films that deal with the subject of May-December romances fail because of this lack of chemistry. I will step up and say that Lost In Translation is easily one of the best screen romances I have seen in years. Without revealing too much, Murray and Johansson say more about longing with sideways glances than many actors can manage with full-on sex scenes.
Behind the visual beauty is a landscape of well-chosen indie rock gems that prove a soundtrack can be as smart and relevant as a score without ever overpowering the emotion it is trying to underline. Tracks from Phoenix, Air, Sebastian Tellier and My Bloody Valentine stand out in a collection full of winners.
While the supporting pair of Giovanni Ribisi and Anna Faris is also impressive in a smaller but vital capacity, Murray and Johansson (as well as Coppola's languid pacing and sensual camera work) are the stars. Murray should receive a well-deserved Oscar nomination for his performance but it is Johannson's natural, self-assured turn that makes his performance possible. This is one of the few 'must see' films of the year. So do.
Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. :)
Max Mooney
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i need a life
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i said it in the Lost In Translation poster talk back, and i'll say it here now: this film seems ridiculously similar in tone to a wes anderson picture. oh, and i was born out of satan's ass.
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as you can probably tell, i'm extremely excited about the Mr. Show Season 3 DVDs being released tomorrow(!).. WE NEED A MR. SHOW TALKBACK!! now, who wants some ice cream?
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So, I like the Vigin Sucides... but the ending didn't strike me too well. The film moved along powerfully as 4 beautiful, seemingly perfect girls killed themselves, while our narrators looked on helplessly. But the film ends by pointing out what an asshole Josh Hartnett's character was, and moving into the narrator's "oh, oh, I loved her" last words, even though he barely knew any of them, and it really struck me as insufficient... sigh, I could go on at length, but the gist is that a powerful story ended as an elaborate metaphor, and a relatively uninteresting one at that. I hope this film goes better, although with the amount of critical praise for VS, I'm not sure it will... I'll see it anyway, of course
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I saw the trailer for this on either Access Hollywood or ET and thought it looked pretty interesting. I'm probably going to give it a shot. Hope the film lives up to the trailer.
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First, the on-topic post: I am so there. Second, the real reason for the post: I'm starting an AICN league over at Hollywood Stock Exchange. Click on my username and let me know if you want to sign up. Cheers.
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Doesn't anybody else find the idea of a 52 year-old man with an 18 year old girl a tad bit creepy? It's the stuff Springer is made of. It might be a good movie, but the subject matter is just a little off. If she was even a few older it might be better. The actress in question is 18, I don't know how old the character is, but it's just wrong in my humble opinion.
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something about all of the descriptions of this movie reminds me of Linklater's Before Sunrise, possibly my all time favorite romantic film ever. i think it might have been the "sideways glances" thing which linklater employs in one of the best moments i've ever seen in a movie (the scene where Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy stand in a listening booth, constantly sneaking quick glances at each other and looking away when the other looks at them, amazing). I'm really excited about this film, even though i absolutely loathed Virgin Suicides. Plus, anyone who hasn't been to Japan should definitely go, especially Tokyo, it's one of my favorite places in the world.
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In the movie Scarlett appears to be in her mid-2-late twenties. Also, there is no creepiness involved [SPOILER ALERT]!!
since they are never really "together" they are just hanging out, almost in a paternal sort of way. So if you're going into it thinkin Lolita, well, she is as pretty as her but that's not what their relationship is about. Anyway, age ain't nuthin but a number.
#2- the film is much better than the trailer. The trailer is a little fluffish but the film has a lot more impact.
#3. It is nothing like razor's edge and even if this doesn't appeal to the masses at box-office time for lack of marketing-power, hopefully it will become a cult-classic or better yet a sleeper like 'in the bedroom'.
That's all for now.
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Caught this at a screening in Boston tonight. Harry's right on this one: it is an excellent film. Murray and Johansson were perfect in their roles and man, I really want to visit Japan now.
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Best Actor for 2003: BILL MURRAY!!
I can't wait to see what he wears
to the Oscars! -
"It's in the hole!"
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