Lost In Translation

There's not much to dislike about Lost In Translation, especially when the opening scene of the film is a camera shot of Scarlett Johansson's curvaceous bottom. Bill Murray stars as Bob Harris, a jaded 50 something year old movie star filming an advert for Japanese whisky in the bright and bustling lights of Tokyo. He strikes up an unlikely friendship with Scarlett Johansson's Charlotte, a young American staying in the same hotel. As suggested by the film title both are at a crossroads in their life, not sure where they are going or who that are meant to be. This sense of being lost is highlighted by finding themselves in the strange colours and sounds and customs of Japan's largest city. There is a great chemistry between Murray and Johansson. Both give lovely, understated performances and the friendship that develops between Bob and Charlotte is really quite touching. Sofia Coppola's script is funny but also contains a subtle depth, allowing the main characters to find each other in a way that feels natural. There is a nice pace to Coppola's direction and I particularly liked the cinematography which captures both sides of Tokyo and indeed reflects the characters inner state. A bitter sweet film that I think many people can relate to. What is lost in translation is found in friendship. 9/10