movie review #3
Somewhere (2010)
directed by Sofia Coppola
no spoilers, I promise!
The concept of the bored, jaded or depressed movie star is something Hollywood holds close to its heart. We've seen it hundreds, thousands of times, and we get it. It's hard being a celebrity. Oh yes, very hard. With a trope so overexposed, how does Sofia Coppola make Somewhere's portrayal of a numbed screen siren unique or special in any way?
Well, she doesn't, really. But at the same time she does. Somewhere is perhaps Coppola's most challenging film to date, and I say that as a genuine fan. Her fourth feature film marks a trend in her movies: the more she makes, the more pensive and quiet and "aimless" they seem to get. If you're not a Coppola fan already, this isn't going to convince you. In fact, it may encourage your dislike to progress to full-on hatred. If you are a Coppola fan, this should fulfill all expectations you have of it, and more.
So, back to the original question. How does Somewhere portray its eternally jaded movie star? The answer: with exactly the quiet numbness such a star must feel. The film's style almost imitates that of a documentary, a fly-on-the-wall perspective that watches without judging. From the get-go, we are treated to a visual representation of the muted irony of the protagonist's gilded lifestyle. Two identical (and identically bored) blonde strippers performing a tired routine, slightly off-kilter and awkward, to the Foo Fighters' "Hero", one of the most emotionally-charged rock songs in recent decades. Johnny Marco (portrayed by a terrific Stephen Dorff), watches... and falls asleep. Entertainment has become ennui.
What is perhaps so brilliant about this film is that it captures exactly the emotion it wants to portray. Which, I know, sounds like a bullshit excuse from an avid fan: "It's boring because the director wants us to feel bored!" ...But it's true! If this film was any faster, any snappier, any louder or more saturated, it would lose all meaning. Instead, it is whitewashed and drained of almost all stimuli. One of the most effective and impressive scenes in the film involves a slow zoom that lasts almost a minute, and it is literally a shot of Stephen Dorff sitting in a chair. Johnny Marco, head caked with plaster for a special effects mould, is left alone with only his breathing for company.
It represents so much with so little. Coppola is the queen of minimalism. She captures the kind of simplistic tone that other indie directors (for further reference see: Jake Scott, Welcome to the Rileys) would die for. But it's natural, you either have it or you don't.
The film is given an injection of life when Johnny's daughter, Cleo (the debut of a truly brilliant Elle Fanning), appears. While at first their relationship seems strained and obligatory, the viewer comes to understand the father-daughter relationship. It needs no voice. The scenes between them are simple and sweet, and it's easy to appreciate Cleo's company just like Johnny does. I had a flashback or two between this relationship and that of the main characters in Lost In Translation... the audience becomes privy to so many personal and private moments they end up intimately connected to the couple. The performances are effortless and beautiful, as they always are in Coppola's films.
I think I've pretty much said all I can say about this film. I watched it quietly during the day, and drifted in and out of connecting with it in certain scenes... once again, I think that's the point. This is not a movie for movie's sake, it's not really entertainment. It doesn't have the straightforward development of the Virgin Suicides, for example, or the irresistible charm and fascination of Marie Antoinette. It just sort of lingers. It's there, and you either get it or you don't.
In a nutshell, don't expect this to be the best film of 2010. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But I loved it, as I thought I would. I think the general rule for Sofia Coppola films is: if you like her, you'll like all of her. If you don't, you won't like any of her. Maybe replace "like" with "appreciate", though. I saw "Somewhere: the film that goes nowhere" plastered about the internet when I was reading reviews of it, which I guess is someone's idea of a clever criticism. This film doesn't claim to go anywhere, but I think it does. Eventually. Quietly, and calmly, and you never even realize it until the end.
Rating: 7.5/10
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Oh yeah, and it goes without saying, but the soundtrack to this is highly excellent :)
