Lost in Translation

Tropic Sprockets by Ian Brockway

[mr_rating_result]

Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation” (2003) is a landmark work in contemporary cinema, highlighting the clashes between the East and West. Like a poem, there is much to reflect upon, and the film works upon the eye in moody rhythms rather than a single punch. It is authentic and affectionate.

Bob (Bill Murray) is an actor stuck in a rut. He decides to take an advertising gig for whiskey in Japan, presumably to get away from his wife. He is alternately curmudgeonly or nonplussed. Though the advertisements go according to plan, Bob can’t sleep.

He repeatedly sees a young girl Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) out of the corner of his eye. Charlotte sees him at the bar and asks him for company. Bob reluctantly accepts. He accompanies her to various social parties in Tokyo, all the while carrying a kind of sadness on his face. Charlotte herself is frustrated by a self-involved husband (Giovanni Ribisi) though not as acutely as Bob.

A platonic friendship commences.

Through most of the film, Bob never makes any kind of romantic overture to Charlotte.

On his own in the metropolis, Bob is assaulted by cacophony and color. Flashing animations confront him like monsters. In restaurants, amid laughter and joy, he is melancholy and detached. Bob’s wife speaks to him in automated tones as if she is an A.I. program.

Murray completely embodies his role and has never been better. His face speaks of poetry.

Bob is a chimera of sorts and it is wonderful to see him spark into life under the presence of Charlotte.

The last scene in particular as Bob sees Charlotte downtown, expresses everything about the push and pulls of love and friendship. Those moments alone, including the painful yearning in Bill Murray’s face, remain iconic in cinema history.

“Lost in Translation” is not really a feel-good romantic comedy, but it is one of the few that has an authentic feeling, with happiness as well as loneliness. Rather than joy, it will leave you pondering the human spirit, and that is something more intriguing and productive.

Write Ian at ianfree11@yahoo.com