A gorgeous movie in every respect, Lost in Translation takes a loopy yet pointed look at differences inherent in Japanese culture. It’s all wrapped up in a blanket of pseudo-normality: the skyscrapers, traffic, people….they look the same on the surface, but it’s a gloss covering a very odd (to western eyes) twist on our own society. At times, the examination is breathtaking (Sofia Coppola’s direction is exquisite), at other times, it is insanely funny.
Bill Murray deserves the Oscar for his role as an aging actor, shooting a whiskey commercial in Tokyo. He is a combination of world-weariness, dry-as-the-Sahara wit, and vulnerable child. What’s especially nice is that his relationship with Scarlet Johansson becomes a deep friendship, which never descends into a typical, schmaltzy Hollywood affair. In fact, the fallout of the one affair that does happen in this movie is both wry and touching.
Other people have written more eloquently about this movie than I, so I’ll just sum up by saying that you should see this movie in the theatre, or rent the DVD, as soon as possible. It’s two hours of old-fashioned filmaking, courtesy of the daughter of one of Hollywood’s past masters…and it seems she’s following very carefully in her father’s footsteps.
Re-Run Heaven
Thanks to the magic of cable, I’ve been re-discovering the TV nirvana of my childhood, with reruns of Wonder Woman and The Incredible Hulk.
Of the two, Wonder Woman is the more variable in quality. All three seasons have an irritating earnestness, and very 70s outlook on technology and action-adventure. However, there are some very good moments, in particular in the first season, which takes places during World War II. This is Wonder Woman’s natural stomping ground, as her character was born of the patriotism of the time. In these instances, the earnestness becomes absolutely charming and nostalgic. Sometimes, the episodes do ascend to greatness, especially with the two part episode Judgement from Outer Space, in which an alien comes to decide whether or not humanity is to be eradicated for being too primitive. There are some nice meditations on the nature of war and conflict, and it still holds up fairly well.
As for Lynda Carter? She IS Wonder Woman. I have as much trouble picturing anyone else playing her role as I do picturing a Superman that isn’t Christopher Reeve.
The Incredible Hulk, on the other hand, has lost nothing of its power. Seventies fashions and technology aside, these episodes (with the exception of a handful of under-achievers) are full of the quiet desperation of David Banner, superbly played by Bill Bixby. Running back and forth across the country, pursued by a reporter obsessed with the creature he turns into, his quest to rid himself of the Hulk is still very powerful to watch.
As for the Hulk itself, Lou Ferrigno’s combination of size and make up magic still holds up extremely well. It’s a far cry from the huge creature of 2003’s film release, but for the intimacy of the series, it’s more than effective. It’s also bloody scary at times….I was actually thrilled and terrified watching the pilot episode for the first time in almost 20 years. Both that episode, and many others, have clearly influenced the film version, with it’s contemplative mood, and the fact that the Hulk has never harmed a human being. For the closest synergy between the film and the TV show, check out the (very good) two-part episode Prometheus, in which Banner is stuck in mid-transformation after being exposed to a meteor….and being pursued as a possible alien threat by the military.
Ok…enough ranting and nostalgia for one day. 
