Lost in Translation Movie Review 2003

Coppola's pitch-perfect moody dramedy of mannerisms and loneliness stars Murray as Bob, a washed-up action star in Japan to shoot a lucrative liquor commercial. Homesick, displaced and jet-lagged, Bob heads to the hotel bar and meets fellow Yank Charlotte (Johansson). Also married and lonely, Charlotte is accompanying her photographer husband (Ribisi), whose glamorous job takes him away to far-flung locations and beautiful people that she can't understand. Despite their age difference, the two bond over cocktails and karaoke (a memorable scene), discussing the difficulties of marriage and life while steering clear of the formulaic May/December romance trappings. Murray's restrained performance speaks volumes, conveying a weary acceptance of his life. Johansson deftly displays a suitably discontented air.

Distribution

Universal Studios Home Video, 100 Universal City Plz., Universal City, CA 91608-9955, Phone: (818)777-1000, Fax: (818)866-1483, URL: http://www.universalstudios.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 105 minutes.
Originally from United States.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Only the Lonely, Japan, Marriage, Grand Hotel, Karaoke

Screenplay

Sofia Coppola

Cast

Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris, Yutaka Tadokoro, Catherine Lambert, Fumihiro Hayashi

Cinematography

Lance Acord

Director

Sofia Coppola

Other

Drew Kunin, Brian Reitzell, Sarah Flack, Mayumi Tomita, Nancy Steiner, K.K. Barrett, Anne Ross

Producer

Ross Katz, Sofia Coppola, American Zoetrope, Elemental Films Productions, Focus Features

Awards

Oscars 2003: Orig. Screenplay; British Acad. 2003: Actor (Murray), Actress (Johansson), Film Editing; Golden Globes 2004: Actor--Mus./Comedy (Murray), Film--Mus./Comedy, Screenplay; Ind. Spirit 2004: Actor (Murray), Director (Coppola), Film, Screenplay; L.A. Film Critics 2003: Actor (Murray); N.Y. Film Critics 2003: Actor (Murray), Director (Coppola); Natl. Soc. Film Critics 2003: Actor (Murray); Writers Guild 2003: Orig. Screenplay.