Lost In Translation

I watched this movie for the first time a few weeks ago, but just last night I watched it again. The story is about two people (Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson) who are both isolated in their own ways. First of all, they are both staying for a short time in Tokyo, which in itself is highly isolating, having barely anyone around them who can speak English. This proves to be very difficult for Murray, a has-been actor who is popular in Japan for his whiskey advertisements; he is alone in Tokyo being photographed for posters. Johansson stays in the same hotel as Murray with her husband who is always away doing various photo shoots. When these two meet, they instantly have a connection, realizing the loneliness in each others' lives.

Contrary to the main theme, this movie also displays the companionship between the two characters, showing that through isolation, people can become loved by others. I found the storyline to be very original, and well carried out with the help of Bill Murray. The cinematography was also very well done, as well as the soundtrack. When I watched it, I found myself feeling isolated by the shoegaze/alternative soundtrack, especially in 'Sometimes' by My Bloody Valentine. I give this movie a 9.2 out of 10 for the brilliance of Sofia Copolla, and I highly recommend this film.