Lost in Translation (2003)

I wish I had seen this film in the cinema. There have been some wonderful scenes in cinema history but I can think of nothing better than the opening shot of this film: Scarlett Johansson's perfect behind, 40 foot across, dominating the screen. The gentle curve of her hip, the transparent pink knickers that hide just enough to make the shot all the more alluring. The slight crease formed by subtle movement where her bum ends and leg begins. The film title rolls across the screen just below the line where her legs and cheeks meet. Seriously though this kind of lingering cinematic shot is just what makes this film such a joy to look at. Honestly it’s not just because Scarlett Johansson spends a lot of time walking around her apartment in her knickers, this is a really beautifully made film.

Lost in Translation is set amid the lonely neon cityscape of Tokyo. Charlotte (Johansson) is a newlywed, left to entertain herself as her husband is working constantly (how could he! Idiot!). She strikes up a friendship with famous actor Bob Harris (Bill Murray) who is similarly lost and lonely while filming a commercial there. Sofia Coppola (on her directing debut) captures the feelings of boredom and isolation felt by her characters magnificently through the cinematography. Many early scenes look out at Tokyo from Charlotte's lofty hotel room as she mopes around (the fact that she spends most of these scenes in her underwear helps if I'm honest) hinting that there is a whole world out there waiting to be explored. There are many symbolic moments like this where feelings are conveyed through the images rather than dialogue. The effect is a bitter-sweet film full of beauty and melancholy.

Bob and Charlotte's friendship develops to the detriment of the nakedness. They rouse each other from their coma like states and begin to enjoy the craziness of a foreign culture. I hate Bob for making Charlotte get dressed and get out of her apartment. On the plus side Tokyo makes a fantastic backdrop, taking in lots of Japanese traditions as the film progress. We see Ikebana, temples, karaoke in a glass room miles up a skyscraper, sake drinking, strip clubs, quirky night clubs and games arcades. One shot of Bob playing golf on a deserted course with the silhouette of Mount Fujiyama in the background is especially stunning.

One criticism of the film is its slightly dismissive attitude to Japan. This is really highlighted by Bob's attitude to the locals, he looks on bemused as people fuss over him and playfully mocks people as they cannot understand what he says. It might just be a case of the film showing how people react to a foreign culture. That aside Bill Murray is fantastic as the jaded star selling his soul for a big payday as he films a commercial. He wears the ravages of a tiring world on his face perfectly. Johansson too is brilliantly believable as a young woman unsure of her place in the world.

Please don't watch this film as a will they/won't they romantic drama, you will be missing the point entirely. THIS IS NOT ABOUT SEX!!! Much has been said about the enigmatic final scene but I don't want to give too much away. Suffice to say the film is more concerned with how it makes you feel rather than the dialogue. I really liked that it shows us two troubled characters and does not try to find resolutions and fix them. This film is about a fleeting moment in time where two lost souls find each other. Appreciate it for what it is or bugger off and watch something with Jennifer Lopez in!

8/10