Lost in Translation (2003) - 2nd time

Nominated for 4 Academy Awards:

Best Picture

Best Director: Sofia Coppola

Best Actor: Bill Murray

Best Original Screenplay (WON)

I am old enough to remember following the Oscar season that year and how authentic the buzz was around Sofia and her status as the first American woman (and the 3^rd woman) to get a Best Director nomination, and her being Francis’ daughter, and the false hope that Bill Murray actually had a chance at winning (or Johnny Depp for that matter   ). Sofia would’ve won Director that year, had it not been for Peter Jackson and his LOTR finale.

But back to the film, it kind of still works after all these years. There’s an easiness to it, especially in the dialogue, in the way its shot, in the way the characters exist in the universe of Tokyo. I mention chemistry all the time, but here it’s crucial, and so effective, especially considering the actors, I’ve heard, were not too crazy about each other. But you wouldn’t believe that seeing what a great pair they make on screen, not as lovers (there’s something creepy in the age difference), but as buddies, two people crossing paths in their solitude. The film feels authentic and I’m not naïve enough not to see it’s a very directed authenticity. Happy to report it’s just as smooth as I remembered it to be.

No, I don’t think Murray should’ve won. Yes, Scarlett should’ve been nominated, and for lead, and especially considering there was room in the category.

I give it: 8.5/10

IMDB LINK