Cultural Event #2
Jennifer Coates
10-20-03
On Sunday, October 19th, I went to see the movie Lost in Translation at the Fine Arts Theater, downtown Asheville. I had heard that the movie was worth seeing and that it showed the humorous side to visiting foreign countries. Misinterpretations, social interactions, and common peculiarities occur that make light-hearted humor of the differences between Tokyo culture and American culture.
Bob Harris (Bill Murray) plays an aging, pessimistic actor who is sent to Tokyo to promote an ad campaign for a Tokyo brand of whiskey. He is unaware of how the communication and cultural etiquette differences will affect his stay in Tokyo. His body language and obvious physical American features make the transition into their way of life uncomfortably silly. For instance, the showerhead he uses does not raise above a certain height, making him stoop down to wet his hair. His robe and slippers are made to fit a smaller sized Asian man, not him, so the small details add to the humor of the situation. Bobs wife calls him or sends him a fax from Los Angeles nearly every day. Her intentions seem to be to make him feel guilty for being away at work. When they speak she doesnŐt really listen to what he is saying, instead she turns the simple conversation into a verbally abusive guilt trip. Not considering that what she is saying is making him not want to return home.
Charlotte (Scarlett
Johansson) is a young woman in her early twenties who has been married for 2
years. Her husband is a pop-culture photographer who is shooting on location in
Tokyo. She is traveling with him, but has to stay behind while he is at work.
She is lonely and in a constant state of soul searching. She has recently
graduated college and has no direction in her life. Her relationship with her
husband is not very gratifying and is slowly making her doubt her decision to
get married and lead the fast paced lifestyle for which he has chosen.
Bob and Charlotte notice each
other around the hotel they are both staying at and finally speak to one
another in the hotel bar. The two are very different in many ways, their age,
lifestyles, etc. But the two share a common bond that draws them closer
throughout the movie. They both are unhappy and soul searching. Uncomfortable
in their temporary homes, the two decide to venture outside the hotel and try
to immerse themselves in the Tokyo culture. This makes for an amusing but
romantic exploration of how two strangers can meet at difficult times in their
lives and make one another feel loved and respected. The willingness the two
have to make life beautiful and exciting again is inspiring and fulfilling to
watch on screen. Even though the characters never have a sexual relationship,
they change one anotherŐs perspectives of what it is to enjoy another personŐs
presence.
When it is time for Bob to
return home, he is obviously apprehensive about leaving Charlotte behind. The
good-bye is innocent and leaves you feeling as though something has been lost
or left unexplored. As Bob is driven to the airport, he sees Charlotte walking
down a busy street. He has the driver stop, he gets out and follows her down
the street. When he finally meets her, he holds her and whispers something in
her ear that is only shared between the two actors. A secret message that they
will carry away with them as they separate and follow different paths in life.
I was left with a feeling of happiness after seeing Lost in Translation. Most people go throughout life without knowing what it feels like to experience another person on a level of pure wonder and amazement. To be with that person and feel at ease with the world no matter what your circumstances may be. In todayŐs world we are overwhelmed with every aspect of daily life. We do not take the chance in meeting new people that make our days better in some strange or beautiful way. Unaware that the encounter could possibly change our lives forever.