Review of Lost in Translation (2003) by Edward S — 11 May 2012

I wouldn't be surprised if Coppola's crowning inspiration for this film was "La Dolce Vita;" I personally see the fountain scene's cameo as a sort of confession. But, with that in mind, the similarities are interesting, even if Coppola sometimes resorts to deadpan humor to tell her story. Take, for example, the scenes spent on emphasizing the aimless condition of Bill Murray's character or Johansson's inability to meet loving affection, where her numbness to a religious sight reduces her to tears. Two people in a current state of ennui gravitate towards each other in the unfamiliar land of Japan, which they start to find less apprehensive as they bond, providing each other the emotional security, friendship, and lust that they've been wanting to express. Physical intimacy is portrayed only as distractions made from rash, desperate decisions while the relationship that the characters of Murray and Johansson form is lasting and beautiful.

Every shot in this film radiates with Coppola's personal touch as a director trying to leave an impact. Visually, the film feels like a combination between the claustrophobic marvel of "Taxi Driver," and, of course, the mysterious beauty of Rome from "La Dolce Vita." Coppola has much fun bringing the modern Japanese backdrop to life, even if some shots feel gratuitous; she becomes too playful in her experimenting with rack focus, reflections, and perspectives to portray the exhilarating night life or the hotel's nature as a rendezvous for epiphanies.

"Lost in Translation" is a film that is wonderfully character-driven. Feeling like a personal reimagining of some of the themes and visual grandeur of "Dolce Vita," the film certainly has a certain novelty and attraction. Even if the film is very muddled at points, it keeps the viewer's attention with creative cinematography, great acting, some very funny moments thanks mostly to Murray, and a touching, unique romance.