Lost in Translation

Lost in Translation, the upcoming film directed by Sofia Coppola, might be one of the loveliest movies you see this year - it certainly is for Gothamist. Also written by Coppola, Lost in Translation is the Tokyo story of the new friendship between two Americans; Bill Murray plays an American movie star shilling for Japanese products and Scarlett Johanssen is the lonely young wife who tagged along on her photographer husband's business trip. A valentine to frenetic modern Tokyo (cinematographer Lance Acord manages to make the city shimmer at some moments, dull at others, but always interesting), Lost also has a wonderful Bill Murray performance that is at times physically hilarious and at others very tender. Imagine Herman Blume less beleagured and more joyful, karaokeing to Elvis Costello. The film just unfolds before you, inviting you to get to know the characters better and then you are practically participating in their lives. There is also a fabulous soundtrack (Air, My Bloody Valentine).

Lost in Translation will open on September 19. See the trailer. Bill Murray was on Late Show with David Letterman last night, talking about filming Lost in Translation (shot in 5 weeks, for $3 million) in Japan as well as his new hair color.

Sofia Coppola's earlier directorial effort, The Virgin Suicides, is one of the most underrated films in recent memory. Similarly lyrical but focused within the stifling confines of 1970s suburbia, it's based on the novel by Jeffrey Eugenides and also has a soundtrack by Air.

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By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment on August 27, 2003 2:27 PM

Comments [rss]

janelle

instead of buying the soundtrack from amazon for the 'reduced' price of $14.99, try purchasing it from darla records for $13.20... http://www.darlashop.com/

Unanimous

I've seen the trailer for this twice ("Capturing the Friedmans" and "American Splendor") and I can't wait to see the movie. I have to admit, though, the idea of a Bill Murray - Scarlett Johanssen relationship creeped me out a bit.

Jen

Thanks, Sara, I'm sure all many readers thank you.

PS - there's sort of similar exposing flesh in Lost in Translation, though not Kate Moss.

Sara

Haven't seen her latest film, however Sofia just directed a video for the White Stripes and Kate Moss is the sole star (as well as a fabulous pole-dancer) See it first here - www.cissme.com/bgroup/rm/xl/wh...

Josh

I was just in Tokyo -- the trailer for this makes me want to go back IMMEDIATELY.

alain

The preview makes you want to go to Tokyo. I totally agree with you... but how do you overcome the major jet lag though?

Jen

It IS a good movie. That and A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries.

RIO

"The Virgin Suicides, is one of the most underrated films of recent years. "

Uh, yeah, okay.

vhsiv

It's not based on a comic book or a remake of some tedious '70's tv-show? What kind of cr*p is this? No one's gonna understand it! I want my money back!

Jen

There is a little bit of broad humor, but overall, I wouldn't say it's cheesy. It's actually very elegant. It just makes me want to go to Tokyo stat.

Glenn

Agreed. This is a beautiful movie. I loved it. Highly recommended. Same goes for the soundtrack.

Jen

Not job-related, I just have extra-curriculars that let me see some movies in advance.

eli

Looks awesome. Suntory Whiskey is some crap whiskey...

Mase

that should be "just curious" without the question mark. (i.e. it is ME that is just curious on how you get to see films early [making people like me jealous-in-a-good-way]).