Lost in Translation - Solace in Loneliness
I had heard wonderful things about Sofia Coppola's film, "Lost in Translation" and after having seen it, I can say that I absolutely loved it, and it's one of my favourite films. Our protagonists are Bob Harris (played by Bill Murray) and Charlotte (played by Scarlett Johansson) and both of them are incomplete in some way.
Bob is a movie star who is in Japan for a few advertisements. But he's incomplete as he feels lonely in the city. He's far away from his family. He has conversations with his wife on the phone, but their talks are often lifeless. His children are getting used to live without him, and he's living in a place where he doesn't understand the main language, alienating him even more.
Charlotte is a Psychology Major who had nothing much to do, and came to Japan with her husband who's busy with his profession as a photographer. Charlotte too is lonely as she sits alone and looks outside through the window pane at the city, with a sense of alienation.
When they both enter the city, we see them in a car, looking outside at the city, in awe, as the bright neon lights of Japan. They aren't connected to the city, and that assists them in connecting with each other. The film is patient, and allows us to see Bob's and Charlotte's lives, and understand their conflict. And the first time they see each other isn't some cute interaction. It's just a simple glance.
Bob first sees Charlotte in the lift. She smiles at him, then they go back to their day. Later when they talk about this, she doesn't seem to remember this. Charlotte first sees Bob wearing a tuxedo in a bar. They don't speak to each other. Later when they do, they realise that they have a lot in common. They're one of the few Americans in Japan, so language isn't a barrier.
As the film continues, their connection only grows. But it's not a straightforward love story. There's a sense of intimacy between Bob and Charlotte, but not a sensual one. There's a more emotional intimacy present between them. They walk amongst the streets of the city, sing karaoke, eat lunch and go to the doctor. These mundane acts allow for us to relate to them, and also makes Japan a third main character.
In a scene where they lie together in bed, Sofia (director) subverts our expectations and the scene is just about them talking about their lives and their fears. Bob talks about his disconnect with his wife and kids, and Charlotte wonders whether marriage will solve her problems with her husband.
This film may not be for everyone because it is a plotless film. One of the main screenwriting tips for writing a compelling protagonist is to give them a clear "want" to achieve which will drive the film's plot. And the characters of this film do have a "want", but it's not like they actively try to achieve it, which is why the pace of the film is slow and meditative. But I think that is suiting. Majority of the film is just about our characters roaming around in Japan and talking, but to me, it works.
Lost in Translation also makes for a great companion piece to one of my favourite movies "Her" directed by Spike Jonze. There are many similarities between these two films. Both of them contain lonely characters. Both star Scarlett Johansson, and the directors of both films were once partners. These films would make for a great double feature as they share many aspects about them.
Lost in Translation ends on a slightly bitter sweet note. We don't know what will happen to these characters, these people have grown to care about. They shared a deep connection for a temporary period of time, and now they have to get back to their daily lives. The uncertainty of their fates is the perfect way to end this story, and keeps us wanting more, but we do know that the time they shared together, changed them in some way.
Thank Your for Reading
I hope you liked this blog review, please make sure to comment about your thoughts on the film, or on how I could possibly improve. Also follow my YouTube Channel "Detox with P-Talks Official" where I analyse movies and do other movie related content along with short films, etc.
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