"Lost in translation" - the greatest movie ever made?

Short answer yes, but why?

Sofia Coppola’s greatest achievement to date. She was a relatively small time director with only one film behind her, “Virgin Suicides” before she came to world wide attention to the public and critics alike.

The cast - Bill Murray gives the best performance he’s ever given, in this low budget indie movie. As most people know Murray is without an agent, so if you want him in your movie, how are you going to tell him. Coppola left messages on his answering machine and never spoke with murray ahead of filming. She didn’t even know if he would do the film until he showed up for day one of filming in Tokyo. Coppola only want Bill Murray for the role of disillusioned actor Bob, that she said she would not make the movie without him. Thank God she did as I can’t imagine anyone else giving the sort of muted performance as Murray gives here.

Scarlett Johanssen was a young effortlessly beautiful actress, but still to make her mark in cinema. She has the lead in this movie as a lonely, lost wife, not knowing what to do with her life or if she has made a mistake in marrying John, a young photographer. Her acting in this movie is way beyond that of her years. She plays a twenty something lost woman who hasn’t found her place in this world.

The two lead actors here alone are formidable, but when you put them together the chemistry was immense and undeniable.

The Direction - Sofia Coppola lets the actors do there work and leaves the camera rolling for some quite long scenes of dialogue. She also lets you, the audience, get lost in the colour and pandemonium of Tokyo. She obviously grew up in a cinematic surrounding and has had the best mentors. She shows that she can get out on her own and can produce a oscar winning movie in her own right.

The Music - As with all indie movies, the music is just as important as the cast and script. This movie has made no exception to that rule. An important karaoke scene with the two main characters singing to each other is a prime example of just how music can move a movie along. With Bob singing “More than this” by Roxy music, to Charlotte, and Charlotte singing “Brass in pocket” by the pretenders to Bob. The ending of the movie is legendary, not only for the story, but the final shots of Tokyo with Jesus and the Mary chain’s song “Just like honey” playing over the top.

The Tag Line - “Everyone wants to be found” need I say more?!

"Lost in translation", I think, is easily the greatest movie ever made. With beautifully delicate performances by the two leads, an awe inspiring location, with real dialogue and stunning music. Everything that goes into making a movie comes together as one in this movie. Absolute perfection.