2003, USA/Japan
Drama, Romance
Lost in the chapters of life, the human race gets muddled in transition. Whether it is finding a calling in the real world or the emergence of a midlife crisis, life is easier with a guide to the next stage. Sometimes such a shaman comes in the form of a fellow, similarly befuddled traveler who is also trying to find her way, and sometimes one has to truly loose himself before he can find his course again. Sofia Coppola's brilliant, beautiful film, Lost in Translation, describes this journey.
Bill Murray portrays an actor who has lost his path and no longer enjoys his profession. He is now rambling down side roads and taking advantage of his ability to make money, but deriving no pleasure from the process. While on a whiskey ad campaign in Tokyo he crosses paths with Scarlett Johansson, whose aimless character follows her successful photographer husband around the world, only to be left behind in their hotel room. As jetlag creates insomnia, a shared desire for respect and understanding creates a bond of reassurance between two lost souls.
In the transition from one point of comfort to the next, there is an awkward period involving the personal acknowledgement of previous faults and future desires. Occasionally, in order to gain the confidence to move on towards the next school of wisdom, the student must be told not only that they have not failed thus far, but that they will succeed in the future -- a shining beacon that all is not hopeless. As a child, the words "Everything is gonna be alright" come from a parent's comforting mouth. As an adult, similar actions may come from a soul mate found outside the usual intimate circle of family and friends. Strangers in a strange land encourage one another, discover that confusion does not always justify loneliness, and when trying to find oneself sometimes the beacon simply needs to be repositioned.
Since her last film, The Virgin Suicides, Coppola has improved and is now being subtle without being vague, and provides a greater impact through her characters without the need for shock. Murray continues to prove himself as a superior dramatic and comedic actor, exceeding expectations raised from his previous performances in Wes Anderson films. His natural desire to make people laugh does not overshadow or contrast distinctly with scenes of aching gentleness. Complementing his performance is that of seemingly wise-beyond-her-years Johansson, gravely-voiced It girl of her generation. She achieves audience sympathy without pity or emotional excess.
Disappointedly, there is no director's commentary for this arresting film, but there is an amusing behind-the-scenes feature that was created during the month-long shoot, not with the usual after-the-fact interviews. Other DVD extras include the film's entire talk show interview, a music video, deleted scenes, and a short conversation with the director and Murray.