Williams continued, “In recent years, Murray's work in
such movies as Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums has been tempered by an
emotional depth which has led to the sort of critical acclaim ordinarily
reserved for only the most accomplished actors.” Now, after “Lost in
Translation,” released in 2003, he looked like he finally got the Oscar
nomination that has escaped him for years.
This caring character study was written and directed
by Sofia Coppola, daughter of the legendary Francis Ford Coppola. Many film
buffs say that she single-handedly ruined “The Godfather Part III,” when she
came in as a last-minute replacement for Winona Ryder in the role of Mary
Corleone. Now it seems that Sofia has found her calling in film, following in
her father’s footsteps.
Williams mentioned, “Lost in Translation is a mood
piece, set against the backdrop of the frenetic pace of present-day Tokyo,
where Bob Harris (Murray), an over-the-hill Hollywood star, has just arrived to
make TV and print ads for Santori whiskey.” Apparently, the elder idol couldn’t
afford to turn down the endorsement’s $2 million paycheck. Besides, he could
use a break from a 25-year marriage which has long since lost its spark.
Williams noted, “A good sport, Bob mindlessly obliges
the fussy blur of the doting entourage which has mapped out his every daytime
move during the week of his stay.” However, the language barrier prevents him
from having any meaningful conversations with any of his hosts, even the outlandish
masseuse someone send to his hotel room as a present to help relax him. Alone at
night, he finds himself diagnosed by an insomnia which has him as a regular at
the piano bar downstairs, which is where he talks with the equally depressed
and sleep-deprived Charlotte, played by Scarlett Johansson, having a drink of
her own.
Despite being considerably younger, and still
technically a newlywed, Charlotte grows attached with the miserable middle-aged
man, since they share the similar issue of being stuck in a soulless marriage.
She has already become a virtual burden around the hand of her pestering
photographer husband (Giovanni Ribisi), who’d rather pay more attention on the
self-absorbed actress (Anna Faris) he’s in town to take pictures of.
Bob and Charlotte make a fast friendship, more out of
a sense of desperation than out of anything sensual. Williams said, “Yet magic
happens for this pair of malcontents as they turn Tokyo into a personal
playland, although we sense that they'd both really rather be anywhere else. Alternately
laugh-out-loud silly and profoundly moving, kudos to Coppola for managing to
capture an undeniable chemistry between Murray and his 18-year-old co-star,
despite a certain asexuality. Praise is also in order for Ms. Johansson, whose
considerable talent first caught my eye three years ago, as the irreverent
Rebecca in Ghost World, the comic book adaptation which ended up number one on
my Ten Best List for 2000.” “Lost in Translation” is a masterpiece that must
have been under consideration for 2003’s list.
I had heard about this movie while watching the
Nostalgia Critic, so one day I decided to check it out. This is hands down one
of the greatest films ever made. I loved the chemistry between Murray and
Johansson. You have to see this if you haven’t. Don’t miss your chance to see
this because you will love this. Once you see it, you will be asking what
Murray whispered in Johansson’s ear at the end of the movie. The same way
people question what was in the briefcase when John Travolta opened it in “Pulp
Fiction.” See this if you’re a fan of these lead actors because this is one
that has to be seen to be believed.
Alright, we have now come to the end of “Bill Murray
Month.” I hope everyone enjoyed this and hopefully everyone has checked out the
films I recommended. Stay tuned next month to see more excitement.
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