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Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola had some big shoes to fill when she began her directing career. Being the daughter of the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, the bar was already set higher then others. She began her career at the age of 2 when she appeared in her father’s film, The Godfather. Sofia then began appearing in her fathers later films then took on her biggest role yet when she replaced Winona Ryder in the Godfather 3. After bad acting reviews, she decided to turn in back of the camera instead. She graduated from California Institute of the Arts and continued to on to produce award winning movies. The Virgin Suicides was her debut movie and won an MTV Movie Award for Best New Filmmaker. Lost in Translation was her next project and was a huge success. She won Golden Globe as well as the Lina Mangiacapre Award for her screenplay. In 2006 she went on to write and direct Marie Antoinette which went on to win several awards. 

Coppola’s work sets her apart from other directors. She not only creates a screenplay, but she engages the viewer and invites them into the world she has created. 

The Virgin Suicides

Staring Kirsten Dunst and Josh Hartnett, The Virgin Suicides (based on the novel) is about a seemingly normal family of 5 girls. The movie begins with the harsh scene of Cecile (the youngest of the 5 sisters) tries to commit suicide. She is revived but it is only a few short scenes later she commits the final act. Throughout the rest of the movie the 4 girls struggle to find themselves. Ranging from 14 to 17 years old, each are emotional teenage girls trying to discover their true self. Sofia Coppola reflects this perfectly in the way she captures each girl. Coppola creates mesmorizing scenes that captivate the audience. 

Lux, played by Kirsten Dunst is more of the focus throughout the movie and is the school “knockout”. She struggles the most of the girls with her sexuality and identity. Throughout the movie there is a group of boys who become overly interested in the group of sisters. Their recollection of the events are the basis for the movie. 

Overall, Coppola created an amazing film. You should watch it.. 

Lost In Translation … but really.

Bill Murray and Scarlet Johanson star in this well written but rather boring film written and directed by Sofia Coppola. Without going too far into detail, the movie is basically about a 24(ish) year old woman (Charlotte) who travels to Japan with her husband due to his job. While he is off working, she stays in the hotel room watching tv to try and keep her self occupied. Bill Murray plays a well known American actor (Bob Harris) who is sent to Japan to be the face of a Japanese whiskey. The two characters meet while sitting in the hotel bar one late night and continue this awkward relationship throughout the movie. While we’re talking about their relationship… Bill Murray plays a roughly early 40 year old in this movie, while Scarlet Johanson plays a mid 20 year old. I don’t know about you but, I find a relationship with such a big age difference a little unsettling. 

Anyways, let’s move on to the context of the movie. Lost in Translation; a well suited title. The two main characters were literally lost in the Japanese culture and lifestyle. The language barier was definitely the most challenging for the two of them. But cultural aspects were seemingly difficult as well. Although they were placed in an unfamiliar world, there was more going on then just the language and cultural differences. Both characters were lost not only literally but mentally and emotionally. Charlotte is early on in her life and marriage. Being a new wife and a recent college grad, she feels stuck and unsure of her quick decision to get married. Bob has been in a marriage for 25 years and has a few children with his wife. It is clearly more of a partnership then a marriage full of love. 

This was the first film of Coppola’s I watched, and I do have to admit I liked her artistic eye. She makes every seen seem like a photograph rather than a screenshot from a movie. The transitions into each scene are seamless and well thought. Although I was not a fan of this particular movie, the other two I reference are high on my list of movies I’d watch again. 

The Virgin Suicides

Lost In Translation