Lost in Translation Review
Though not a Japanese production, Lost in Translation was shot entirely in Japan and it is definitely deserving of a review here at Savage Japan Movie Reviews.
The pink panty visual in Lost in Translation is a particularly outstanding opening shot.
Posters and stills featuring this image and more from Lost in Translation available here.
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I went to see Lost in Translation in a theater when it debuted, hoping for a story very much about Japan. This film turned out to have very little to do with Japan, and I suppose I was slightly disappointed by that in my first viewing.
Movies are typically about people and not places, but as a Japan enthusiast I was hoping for a story that was more deeply involved with Japanese people and culture. Even though Lost in Translation has little to do with Japan, I did leave the theater thinking of the movie as an interesting and competent production. Lost in Translation is an appealing, sweet, and slightly melancholy story.
Scarlett Johansson does get out and explore a little in Lost in Translation.
This still image and others are available here.
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I decided to watch this film again on DVD now that I am writing reviews for Savage Japan, to clarify my impressions of it.
The fact that Lost in Translation has little to do with Japan is not a weakness from a story perspective. Tokyo is a great background for a “two Western fish out of water” story, and it provides an environment conducive to drawing the Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson characters together for the development of their friendship and gentle romance.
Bill Murray's character is in Tokyo to promote a Japanese alcohol product.
This still and others from Lost in Translation are available here.
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Lost in Translation is a calm and simple film that is mostly soothing to watch. Though the lead characters do go out into the world and there are some scenes involving Japanese characters, the movie’s home base is an upscale, very Western hotel. This movie ultimately is about the relationship of the two lead characters much more than it is about interacting with Japan.
Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray romping through the side streets of Tokyo.
Masterprint Posters and stills featuring this image and more available here.
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There has been some criticism of Lost in Translation concerning its presentation of Japanese people. It has been suggested that a few viewers might not realize the tongue-in-cheek presentation is not meant to be a realistic depiction. The scenes in the hospital for example, where Scarlett Johansson's character has her foot looked at, were designed for humor and to emphasize the characters' isolation. In a large modern Tokyo hospital, there would've been several staff members able to help in English. Some of the Japan interaction scenes are really farcical, but they do not seem too mean spirited to me.
Bill Murray's character Bob plays along halfheartedly with a Japanese television personality.
This still and others from Lost in Translation are available here.
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This film does have a very slow pace. I have some friends who cannot seem to sit still to watch slow or calm movies, so I put this warning out there for others with a fidgeting movie watching affliction.
I found this to be a very pleasant movie overall and if big cities inspire you, some of the Tokyo scenery might be very interesting to you. Tokyo is not one of the most appealing places for me to invest time in Japan. The organized and surprisingly civil chaos that exists in Tokyo is novel and fun for occasional visits, but in the final analysis it still feels a lot like other big cities around the world, a sprawling cage with far too many of my fellow human animals stuffed in it.
Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) and Bob (Bill Murray) experiencing a bump in the road.
This still and others from Lost in Translation are available here.
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As a location in a film, Tokyo can definitely be intriguing and it suits the needs of this story, even if it doesn't hold my attention and interest as well as other Japanese settings might. Many viewers of Lost in Translation will probably find the lights of Tokyo and various Tokyo sites in the film to be visually fascinating. There are brief shots of several well-known areas, so you may recognize some landmarks in the film if you have passed through Tokyo or have some knowledge of the city.
Bill Murray has stated that this is his favorite film he has appeared in. It is indeed a great showcase for Mr. Murray. Scarlett Johansson makes the most of her role as well. I do recommend this movie as being a worthwhile library addition.
Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson in the middle of a sweet whirlwind friendship in Tokyo.
This still and others from Lost in Translation are available here.
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Savage Japan Misc. Tidbits
Though I enjoyed a few of the bonus features on the DVD, there is no director's commentary. I always wonder why the decision is made to avoid recording one for some DVDs. Obviously this is a film that Sofia Coppola must be proud of. She even won an Oscar for the screenplay. Maybe Ms. Coppola has some artistic objection to director commentaries, or she felt the provided bonus material was more suited to revealing elements of the film’s production, or maybe someone was in a hurry to get this DVD release out and schedules did not allow a commentary to be recorded in a timely fashion.
I believe I would have very much enjoyed a director’s commentary for Lost in Translation if one had been provided. It was a big disappointment to find it missing on the DVD.
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A large variety of Posters in different sizes as well as 8"x 10" stills from
Lost in Translation and other films are available from MovieGoods.
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For Japanese Language Students
Lost in Translation is not highly recommended for language comprehension practice simply because the lead characters are Americans and they speak English in the movie. However, there are a few scenes with a good amount of Japanese.
There are not many significant Japanese culture references, or perhaps more accurately I should say there are not many significant or elaborate uses of cultural references. However, Japan enthusiasts may still enjoy seeing the samplings of Japanese culture that appear throughout the movie.
Dan Savage
Dan@SavageSnow.com
