Writer/Director: Sofia Coppola
Starring; Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray and Giovanni Ribisi
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actresses have achieved the appreciation of Scarlett Johansson. Since her recognition in the 1990’s, Johansson has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s bold political leaders, comic-book heroines or lost lovers, Johansson has portrayed many compelling characters. Arguably, Johansson’s strength as an actress has always been her commitment to her craft. She is one of those actresses that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supporting roles which have limited screen-time. Through her ability to portray strong characters that are compelling, Johansson has created a strpng legacy that’s lasting. Although she is arguably best known for her role as Black Widow in the MCU, Johansson has proven she can create movies in every genre. Throughout her career, Johansson has made many movies that are absolutely worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Johansson and adore all the movies that she has made in her career. However, “Lost in Translation” is definitely my personal favourite. Released in 2003, Sofia Coppola’s movie offered a powerful portrait of loneliness. Packed with strong production-design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best movies ever made about loneliness. At the center of it all is an excellent performance by Scarlett Johansson, who embodies a lonely woman searching human connection. Ultimately, what makes “Lost in Translation” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most films about loneliness, it tackles bold themes everyone would relate to. A riveting masterpiece about loneliness, there’s many reasons why “Lost in Translation” is a film worth watching.
Set in Tokyo, “Lost in Translation” follows a pair of lost souls which experience sorrow. Scarlett Johansson portrays Charlotte, an isolated woman that is stuck in a doomed marriage experiencing tensions. Charlotte finds herself lost in the huge city of Tokyo without clear direction. However, Charlotte’s life dramatically changes when she falls in love with a movie-star causing disaster. Bob Harris (Bill Murray) is a faded movie-star in a situation causing a painful price to pay. As the two souls find solace with each other’s presence, Charlotte is given a greater sense of guidance. As all odds are stacked against her favour, Charlotte questions whether it is possible to live in a city that causes people to face disaster.
Sofia Coppola has always been fascinated with themes of alienation. A strong female filmmaker, Coppola has always produced engaging movies about loneliness causing disaster. Her movie “The Virgin Suicides” offered a powerful portrait of women that are impacted with suicides. With “Lost in Translation”, however, Coppola made her first ever Tokyo drama. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of women that are lost in translation but she succeeds tremendously. Inspired with Spike Jonze’s “Adaptation”, Coppola successfully employs point of view shots to capture women that face loneliness. For instance, point of view shots enhance the meeting scene. During this unforgettable scene, Charlotte meets Bob for the first time in meetings causing tension. Using stunning POV shots, Coppola crafts a portrait of loneliness that is strong. POV shots are tricky. Joss Whedon’s “The Avengers” suggested POV shots enhance comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Coppola captures the tensions that lonely lovers are facing.
Another bold aspect of “Lost in Translation” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is well made. Coppola’s decisions to shoot the movie in locations across Tokyo is risky but works tremendously. Throughout the movie, the locations play role in capturing emotions of loneliness. For instance, locations elevate the karaoke bar scene. During this heartfelt scene, Charlotte and Bob develop a strong bond by bonding together in a karaoke bar. Using Tokyo locations, Coppola creates a portrayal of loneliness which is compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Roy Hawkins’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a heartwarming atmosphere capturing painful burdens that lovers bear. Through stunning production, Coppola craft a portrait of loneliness which is compelling.
One admires amazing performances.
Scarlett Johansson delivers one of her best career performances as Charlotte. Scarlett achieved appreciation for playing heroines in romantic comedies moves. With “Lost in translation”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to play a woman searching for connection but she succeeded tremendously. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, strong and emotional in her most memorable role. With riveting expressions, she captures the angst, desperation and grief of a woman in tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most commemorated actors that is working today.
While the film mainly a stunning showcase for Scarlett Johansson, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of recognition. Billy Murray is brilliant, capturing charisma of a washed up movie star experiencing a painful price pay. Giovanni Ribisi is strong, carrying the larger than life personality of a man in a doomed romance that causes a catastrophe. Lastly, Anna Farris deserves appreciation. A a a lonely woman, she is unforgettable.
Fans of Scarlett johansson will definitely enjoy “Lost in Translation” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A mesmerizing masterpiece about loneliness, it honours an actress with strong presence.
Nearly 25 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about lost lovers searching for connection whose lives are lost in translation, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actress with strong dedication that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout her career which are worthy of celebration.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 