Lost in Translation

Starring: Bill Murray, Giovanni Ribisi

RS: 4of 4 Stars

2004 Drama

If you want to see what the fuss is about -- Oscar nominations for actor, director screenplay and film -- the DVD of Lost in Translation is a gold-standard reference point. On repeated viewings, Bill Murray's career-crowning performance as an American movie star in Tokyo to shoot a quickie commercial grows in humor and heartbreak. The brief connection he makes with a younger woman (the meltingly lovely Scarlett Johansson) shimmers with delicacy and emotion. All praise, then, to writer-director Sofia Coppola, 32. In her second movie, the daughter of Godfather legend Francis Coppola shows a master's touch at using atmosphere (the sleeplessness and disorientation of visiting a foreign land) to foster feeling. Sofia seems oddly reticent in a conversation with Murray featured on the disc. But a behind-the-scenes documentary, partially shot by Coppola's then-husband Spike Jonze, shows the care she takes on the set and the joy she feels watching Murray. She pursued him relentlessly to play the part. It was worth it.

PETER TRAVERS
(February 11, 2004)