Lost In Translation

Lost In Translation directed by Sofia Coppola, has a very different style from all of the other films we've watched. Unlike There Will Be Blood and No Country For Old Men, beginning of this film does not seem to have a clear and definitive plot or purpose. While viewing this film, I noticed that many students and myself were not always sure as to what was going on or what the overall purpose of the film was. However, as we continued watching the film I began to think of it as a story that shows the similarities and strange connection between two characters who would appear to have nothing in common, yet are connected through their outlooks on each of their lives. For example, Scarlett Johansson's character Charlotte, is only twenty-one whereas Bob the man she forms a relationship with, is at the age where he is having a mid-life crisis. By having two contrasting characters linked in such a way that leads them to form a close relationship, I think the director's purpose was to show how even the most unlikely people can find common interests or struggles that they can bond over. One particular aspect of Sofia Coppola's directing style that I noticed help make this film very natural seeming, was the use of many different types of frames. She used many close-up frames in order to show Charlotte's inner struggles with feeling trapped in a hotel room all day, and profile shots of Bob that allowed both his surroundings, and him to be shown. I also think Coppola's use of a very soft color scheme combined with light music are elements that helped set a casual, yet intimate tone to the film. As a whole I enjoyed the film, however I was not very interested or captivated from the beginning. Instead, as the movie progressed I grew more interested in the characters and how their relationship was going to turn out.