Review of Somewhere (2010) by Caress T — 30 May 2011

OVERALL GRADE: B.

BOTTOM LINE: Sofia Coppola may not have another "Lost in Translation" on her hands, but "Somewhere" features some strong performances and a poignant message about the life of a celebrity.

"Lost in Translation" is such a fantastic movie. I mean...I love that movie.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I can review "Somewhere".

"Somewhere" is the story of Johnny Marco. Marco (played by Stephen Dorff), a Hollywood star with a fast lifestyle. He lives at the famous Chateau Marmont Hotel in LA and parties like none other. He is blindsided when while recovering from a broken arm, his daughter (Elle Fanning) enters the picture after the mom takes a long vacation. The film follows the relationship between Marco and his daughter, as well as the inner change that overcomes Marco throughout the film. Pre-visit Marco smokes, drinks, and has many "lady-friends". After-visit Marco starts to realize his parental responsibilits and really sees how much he loves his daughter (and how much his daughter cares for him).

The film fuels itself off of the three main components. The performances of the cast, the directon of Coppola, and the overall message. The performances are wonderful. Dorff captures the broken spirit of Marco masterfully. You can easily feel Marco's pain with every puff of the cigarette and blank stare into the distance. Elle Fanning is also a delight as Cleo, Marco's daughter. Dorff and Fanning are great on-screen together. Their performances are the highlight of the film. Chris Pontius (of Jacka$$ fame) provides the comic relief as Marco's right hand man. Coppola's direction also works very well here. She knows how to make a shot say a thousand words. A few still shots in this film hit the viewer like arrows to the chest. The only problem with this film is the overall message. The film has no problem addressing that Marco's life is empty without his daughter. This is a true fact. Also, the film condemns Marco's fast lifestyle. And this too works. But the final resolution? Color me confused. I don't want to spoil anything, but the film leaves itself in a place of little explination. It just kind of wraps up without any warning. There maybe a deep meaning somewhere, but I'm just somehow not getting it. I feel this throws off the overall message of the film. It addresses the problem, but in the end, only provides bits and pieces of the answer. But, I suppose that this film may rest better with a lack of knowledge. Who knows. I did find myself feeling for these characters, and that deserves my admiration. Coppola is one of the bright, shining stars of talent in the 21st century. I just feel like "Somewhere" is warming up for her next "Lost in Translation". Overall, "Somewhere" packs a powerful punch with its strong perfomances and sharp direction, but starts to draw back with an ambiguous conclusion (that is ultimately forgivable).