TNL Movie Club: Lost in Translation

[Brand X]

Lost in Translation

I have been on a bit of a Billy Murray kick and saw that Lost in Translation was added to Netflix. I haven't seen this one in a few years, but my memories of it are that the first time I watched it I absolutely hated it. The movie had an insane amount of hype to it and I found it boring, self indulgent, and when everything was said and done to be a contrived love story that never turned into anything. I was "forced" to watch it again about a year later and for some reason the film flipped the script on me. Instead of watching it for what I thought it should be, I watched the movie with the mindset as an outsiders view to Japanese culture, and I loved every minute of it. The actual story portion of the film does absolutely nothing for me, but I find how relaxed and effortlessly it demonstrates the idiosyncrasies of Japanese culture as a testament that Sofia Coppola accomplished exactly what she had set out to do (whether they are accurate or not, I don't know, as I've never been to Japan!) .

[Some Stupid Japanese Name]

It's been a while for me. I liked it when I saw it, but wasn't OH MY GOD THIS IS GREAT and felt saddened by that because that was how everyone else was reacting to it and I felt left out.
Today is slow as shit, I will start watching it shortly.

[Doc Holliday]

That's funny; I saw this was up and watched it. I still have the same opinion I did nine years ago. It's fantastic and I'm all onboard until he fucks the shitty singer then I'm like 'what's the point?' and the movie no longer matters.

[Some Stupid Japanese Name]

Best opening shot ever?

[Doc Holliday]

This is a good pick. Not because I think it's a good movie, but because it is certainly unique.

[Brand X]

For me Lost in Translation might as well be Baraka, Powaqqatsi, or something of the like. I absolutely love the style, it oozes atmosphere and really makes you feel like you are experiencing Japan, but I could literally throw out the script except for "For relaxing times, make it Santori time.." and be happy.

Also, Scarlett Johansson is decent looking.

[Doc Holliday]

Baraka - stoner movie of the eon.

[Some Stupid Japanese Name]

it demonstrates the idiosyncrasies of Japanese culture as a testament that Sofia Coppola accomplished exactly what she had set out to do (whether they are accurate or not, I don't know, as I've never been to Japan!) .

I think it's fairly accurate. A TNL member who used to live in Japan told me once how all pick up girls kept calling him Mr. Bbobb Harris and told him to lip their stockings.

[Brand X]

::buys flight to Japan::
::books escort::
::leaves disappointed::

[A Robot Bit Me]

That's funny; I saw this was up and watched it. I still have the same opinion I did nine years ago. It's fantastic and I'm all onboard until he fucks the shitty singer then I'm like 'what's the point?' and the movie no longer matters.

I have a buddy with the same gripe. I can understand why some people don't like this movie, but I don't get the singer hang-up. What mattered to you before that scene that didn't matter after it, doc?