Somewhere tells a story about a hard-living Hollywood actor re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter surprises him with a visit.(imdb) The newborn actor, Johnny Marco appears to suffer anhedonia; a mental condition of feeling nothing or he believes he's nothing. It does seem the theme of celebrity ennui is still is Coppola's interest after Lost in Translation.The whole appeal of this movie is the life of celebrity, the fame and glamorous life of living in a celebrity hotel, the ladies and travel overseas. It should be most appealing for Johnny Marco, but it seems he feels bored or empty inside, unable to feel the pleasure he's having in his life.
As much as I love seeing woman as a director making movies that everybody talked about, raving and receiving positive reviews, I just couldn't help but feeling the movie is a bit too long in some scenes. The scenes in the front where Johnny rides his ferrari, the female 'dancers' in his hotel room and some other parts all just feel over in duration. I try to be positive about this, because it seems she want the movie felt as real as it could. We should get more lonely and empty feeling seeing the whole atmosphere. I guess as I know how important it is for keeping viewers bored is not too long in placing scenes, because of my profession.
Despite his boredom through his life and he could get the pleasures he want, it's also funny seeing him being remodeled to be older with visual effects crew. That and some other scenes made it clear that an actor sometimes couldn't say no to what the show needs or what the producer says. Sometimes producers just do things without confirming the actor first in order to get the spontaneous look. But funny thing is Johnny did not look he enjoyed or mad, just nothing.
Despite its long felt scenes, I do admire Coppola's effort to make the movie felt so close with reality. She could add some more tears and drama, or any Hollywood custom recipe. In real life, sometimes there's no need to spill it with words or dramatic actions. It is shown sometimes with meaningful silence and certain look in someone's eye.
So what is the movie is saying about? Obviously, famous people have their problems too. They do have the luxury of living a better equipped facility in life. But the luxury is out of reach from the happiness of their souls. Sometimes luxury and wealthy life does not necessarily mean that you will have a happier life than the lesser people. Although, you could have a life coach like Oprah does. It's best if all the decisions in life be driven by a healthy soul. You could have all the money in the world but if you couldn't give your soul what its need, then it's all useless.
3 comments:
I prefer lost in translation, the characters were more likeable/ memorable to me. "Somewhere" kind of is boring, because Johnny Marco is a bore. Maybe Somewhere is an intentionally boring film so we get to experience his boredom?
It's the fans who believe Johnny is so interesting. He doesn't have to fight for women to fall for him. The media builds him up to be fascinating. And the media image of a celeb is at times not who the person really is, just a false image. He is like a product, and I don't think he knows who he really is behind the celeb image, and this starts to make him sad. Good review, btw.
I had to buy the Blu-Ray because I could not wait for it to come out on Netflix. I loved every minute of it.
moviesandsongs365: Yes I know what you mean. That's why I thought that maybe the long durations and the boredom is intentionally maybe to picture his numbness on his life. thanks.
James : I don't really fond this Coppola movie. I wish Coppola would explore more why he feels empty.
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