Lost in Translation

“For relaxing times, make it Santory time.”

I really like Lost in Translation; it’s a really good film. It’s visually stunning, has a great soundtrack featuring original compositions by Kevin Shields plus songs by The Jesus and Mary Chain, Air, My Bloody Valentine (Shields’ band), and others. Bill Murray is funny and tragic: a washed up actor wearing his depression like a scarlet letter. His midlife crisis, spawned by Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), lights up the screen – a melancholy character at the film’s beginning comes to live, inspired by a girl over half his age. Their exploits around Tokyo seem fun, imparting the feeling of adventure and excitement a new relationship brings. Both characters jaunt into a fantasy world, only possible in an alien environment where camaraderie is a valued asset.