“Lost In Translation” (Focus Films)
Slowly but surely Bill Murray has been building a reputation as a solid, serious actor. Now with a role in the new film “Lost In Translation” which is winning acclaim, he seals the deal. He is matched talent wise by young actress Scarlett Johansson. Sadly the content of the film is not up to their talents
Murray plays Bob Harris, a fifty-something actor who has seen better times. Now he is accepting offers to plug products in Japan. While there to shoot a commercial for a brand of whiskey, he meets Charlotte (Johansson). She and her husband John (Giovanni Ribisi) are staying at the same hotel as Bob.
Charlotte has been married two years and is only in her early twenties. John is working most of the time so Charlotte has to amuse herself. She visits Buddhist temples, swims in the hotel pool, or just wanders the streets of the city. Sometimes she hangs out in the hotel bar. That is where she meets Bob.
Bob is away from his wife and children and feeling lost. He wonders if his marriage is going to last, if his career is going to pick up, or if life has passed him by. Friendship with Charlotte offers him a chance to feel excited about life one more time.
The whole movie deals with their friendship and how it develops during a short stay in Japan. There is not a lot of dialogue in the film; also very little comedy or romance. There is just this relationship which is doomed from the start.
Sofia Coppola, daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, directed this movie and she seems to be in total control of her film. She gets performances which are just right from her stars and she also captures the glittery and the seamy side of Japan perfectly. Still as writer/director she has to be held accountable for the tedious nature of the movie,
The film is rated R for profanity and nudity, neither of which is excessive. If they had been the movie might have perked up some.
Some viewers may adapt to the slow pace of the film and the minuscule focus of the plot. But anyone expecting to just have a good time, be impressed by the story, or get a message from the movie will be disappointed. Consider me among the disappointed – big time!
I scored “Lost In Translation” a never found 4 out of 10.
