Lost in Translation
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Bill Murray's character, Bob, a high-profile actor, arrives in Tokyo to shoot a commercial. Meanwhile Charlotte (played by Scarlett Johansson from The Horse Whisperer and Ghost World) burrows into her room at the same hotel while her photographer husband takes on a variety of jobs. Both are at something of an impasse in their lives, both are overwhelmed by the city around them, both are nearing despair and searching for something.

Not only are their circumstances similar—strangers in a strange land—but so too are their reactions to the place. Both Bob and Charlotte share the same sense of the absurd and an inability to sleep. In such unfamiliar and isolating surroundings, both find something important and reassuring in the other, and the discovery helps them both.

Right from the title shot, you know you're in good hands. The movie is as visually and audibly striking as the city must be. At first there's little dialogue—just the cacophony of street sound and the assaults of traffic and lights and people and buildings. It feels as if we've landed there, too, at first, taking it all in with the characters. (For a taste of the opening, check out the web site, Lost-In-Translation.com) Then slowly we figure out more about them, about what they left behind at home, and what their lives are like in exile.

Murray is just a pleasure to watch. He's been a long time gone from Saturday Night Live and Ghostbusters. Bob endures many indignities, and yes, he makes you laugh. What fun to see him size people up, to see his face seize up in teeth-clenching frustration or soften in undisguised yearning. Initially, Johansson seems more inscrutable, but gradually Charlotte opens up, too. Johansson's characterization radiates intelligence and thoughtfulness.

I was completely drawn in. This is a movie that encourages active contemplation. If you find silences and a lack of car crashes unsettling, you may want to skip this one. But if you need a break and would welcome a few gentle laughs, try Lost in Translation. It doesn't disappoint.

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