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Lost in Translation Reflection

 Sofia Coppola's rom com "Lost in Translation" takes on a melancholy theme to the genre. It uses changes of tempo and character contrast to build a large part of this theme. While not overly hilarious it does have its charming moments both in mix ups fitting in with Harris attempting to fit into Japanese culture and interactions with Charolotte.

     As alluded to before, Lost in Translation is designed to be slower film. I believe that this largely plays to the pieces advantage. Harris is supposed to be going through a midlife crisis and has no idea what he wants to do with his life. While this may lead some to completely blow up in panic, Harris goes the other route and lulls out of caring. Meaning the slowness of the plot adds to the dullness Harris is feeling in his life. Of course, this begins to change when he meets Charlotte, but all the same their love is more romantic friendliness than overly passionate which ties easier to a subtle plot.  

    A major theme of this movie is contrast in life. Out two main characters, Harris and Charlotte, are lost in a city that is wildly different to most places on earth, let alone the United States. Harris's entire gig while being there is to be in a commercial talking to people whom he doesn't understand or really care about. Then contrasting middle-aged Harris is Chalotte. Who is young and has a soft whimsical feeling of life. She seems to breathe life into Harris's old soul, which is really what he was looking for the whole time.

    Romantic comedies have never been one of my favorite genres, but I can say I most likely will not be watching Lost in Translation again any time soon. The film is not bad by any means, but you must be part of the hopeless romantic type. The plot moves incredibly slow, and it its plotline is rather smooth, lacking any big turning points or shocks. If you are one that seeks pure character development and relationships stuck in romantic limbo, Lost in Translation would be the film for you to watch.



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