Review of Lost in Translation (2003) by Matthew D — 17 Apr 2018

Sofia Coppola defines her style with Lost in Translation.

Sofia Coppola finds her own unique style of film making with her 2003 movie Lost in Translation. Every scene is beautifully shot with zoomed out establishing shots like the masters. Coppola loves tender close up shots that endear you to her characters and show so much emotion without anything spoken. Her panning shots stick to the actors and let us follow them around while they try to enjoy themselves in Japan.

Lost in Translation is a quiet blissful trip to Japan that takes the audience all around Tokyo. We get to see Japanese hotels, bars, restaurants, temples, clubs, karaoke joints, hospitals, strip clubs, and plenty more local spots. It's a cute look into another culture. Sofia Coppola captures another culture with a cool style all her own.

Bill Murray is at his best in Lost in Translation. He's a middle aged married man that appears miserable in Japan. Murray acts out his finest performance as the confused tourist and actor struggling to find enjoyment away from home. He's very funny and will keep you entertained by his quips.

Additionally, Murray expands his acting range into the dramatic during Lost in Translation as he must also depict a forlorn man out of his element. Murray plays the sad mope well so much so you'll think he is not actually having a good time. I think Lost in Translation prevails as one of the greatest films Bill Murray has ever been apart of to date.

The star of Lost in Translation is Scarlett Johansson as she plays the young wife to Giovanni Ribisi's character John. Ribisi is perfect as the negligent new husband that does not find interest in sweet wife. Ribisi plays the aloof photographer John that completely ignores Johansson's charming character Charlotte. Johansson depicts dejection quite well as she is clearly bored and uncertain about her feelings for her husband. Scarlett Johansson demonstrates she can act convincingly as Lost in Translation is arguably her finest role.

Overall, Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation is worth a watch. You'll laugh and relate to these characters that Coppola wrote so well. They feel so natural in their actions and feelings that you are sure to empathize with their emotions. Give it a chance!