Last week’s film was Sophia Coppola’s Somewhere starring Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning. Somewhere follows hot actor Johnny Marco (Dorff) through his existential journey while he lives at the The Chateau Marmont, a well-known retreat for Hollywood celebrities.
The film takes on a similar theme of success and isolation found in Sophia’s films. Her three most popular films, The Virgin Suicides, Lost in Translation and Marie Antoinette, portray a boredom of the characters in their quest for self-definition. Similarly, we see the maturation of Johnny when his 11-year-old daughter comes to stay with him for a while. Johnny realizes after his daughter leaves that she was the only tether he had to anything real.
Sophia depicts Johnny as a working actor, but not on set. She is familiar with the everyday tasks of the rich and aimless, having grown up around it (her father is famed director, Francis Ford Coppola). The film is said to be inspired by Federico Fellini’s Toby Dammit as well as real life events. The simplicity of the film allows the audience to relax and observe with no expectations. It follows Sophia’s trend of “Don’t tell, show”, a skill lacking in some of our generation’s directors. Her patience of visual style and affinity for minimalist filmmaking provide a fresh change from other films about Hollywood
I've heard of the BUFS but have never attended any of their screenings. It sounds like I'm missing some good movies -- will have to check the Brock site and see how much longer they run and what else is coming up.
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to check out BUFS as well. Is there a schedule posted someone that would let me see what's playing and when?
ReplyDeleteHave you seen this movie? My parents saw it and said absolutely nothing happens so I'm curious to hear from someone else.
ReplyDeleteI too am interested in a schedule and what the guidelines are for attending the viewings.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed two of Sophia's other movies that you mentioned, so I feel like it should be good. But I am now curoius because of Milica's comment....have you seen it and recommend it?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I only liked her film The Virgin Suicides, but I would recommend this film. While I do agree that not a lot happens, I argue that this is what makes the film so beautiful. It reminds us to appreciate everything in life. It doesn't have you waiting for a climax; it has you feeling what's going on in that moment.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe Brock has movies like this playing, I want to see this one.
ReplyDeleteIf Sofia learned anything from her father (Godfather and Apocalypse Now, WOW!), I'm sure that it won't be hard to see talent come through in the direction of this movie. I've never seen any films at BUFS, but I can always appreciate a good flick and there's something very intriguing about non-mainstream films.
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