Review of Lost in Translation (2003) by Jesus H — 26 May 2012

LOST IN TRANSLATION is a unique picture. There arenâ(TM)t many films nowadays, nor have there been at all, that have remained so substantially quiet. Everything about this film seems solemn and peaceful: everything from the music choice of light rock and rhythm and blues; to the relaxed cinematography that doesnâ(TM)t rush to alter shots; to the stylistic fading of scenes; to the slow speed of this city-set film. When we see something subtly stunning like this come from writer-director Sofia Coppola, itâ(TM)s clear cinematic talent runs in the family. She is the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, legendary director of THE GODFATHER and APOCALYPSE NOW; the cousin of ADAPTATION and LEAVING LAS VEGAS star Nicolas Cage; the cousin of B-movie director Christopher Coppola. Her directing is impressive.

Bill Murray is also an inimitably high peak in this film. His seriocomic role may be the only touch of lightheartedness the film has to offer, and itâ(TM)s rewarding. Itâ(TM)s possible the film gets its title from all those times Bill Murray interprets what the Japanese people are trying to say (in âEngrishâ?) differently than what they actually are saying. For instance, if one of the Japanese characters said âlong,â? he would interpret it âwrong,â? no pun intended. The fashion in which Murray dissolves himself into his character is phenomenal. Sure, he has had outstanding performances prior to this, such as GROUNDHOG DAY and GHOSTBUSTERS, but this has to be the best of his career.