Lost in Translation (2003)
by Octavio Carbajal Gonzalez
“Lost In Translation”- a splendid and extremely endearing film directed by Sofia Coppola. It’s the story of Bob, an almost retired actor who arrives in Tokyo for work reasons; and Charlotte, a young woman who also is in that city accompanied by her husband, John.
As the film moves on, we begin to notice the different melancholic tones. Bob seems to be tired of life despite his success in his profession, he is someone who is living to remember the past and his successful years, something that is constantly reflected in his actions and expressions. Despite having a family and work, he feels stuck, with a feeling that life is consuming him emotionally.
On the other hand, we meet Charlotte, a young, newly graduated and married woman who is in Tokyo because of the job of her husband John. As time goes on we notice that John is someone arrogant and extremely egocentric. Charlotte says to love him and therefore forgives all the indifferent treatment he shows towards her, but in the moments when John is not by her side, we realize that she lives overwhelmed by a progressive sadness, also nourished by her feeling that HE has made a mistake in life, both in his choice of love and in his professional career.
The film takes an epic turn at the moment Bob and Charlotte meet, it is difficult to describe the emotional connection of both, as they manage to build “something”, which for me transcends the definitions of love or friendship. As Plato mentioned: “He who feels a lot, speaks little.”
The understanding, fluency and tranquility that the two emanate when engaging in conversations has a fascinating realism, the film focuses on the experiences and emotions they experience together. It is a film that evokes a fleeting and almost oneiric feeling, encompassing great human themes in a pure, serene and painful way.
Note that the brilliant soundtrack adds the layer that ends up making this movie so beautiful and special, groups like The Jesus And Mary Chain, Roxy Music, My Bloody Valentine, Air, among others, are presented with some of their best songs.