Sarah: Somewhere - Response

Hello! Happy New Year!

I also went and saw Somewhere the other night. It wasn't a hot day, and I didn't have a cold Asahi in hand - but there was still a thick air of extreme expectation that this film would be awesome - and for me, it did not dissappoint!

I am surprised that I liked this movie, as I am a self confessed Gen-Yer with ADHD and the attention span of a fish; who usually likes entertainment that is quick and witty (think 30 Rock - which I just spent my entire Christmas holidays watching!).

The opening scene of the car doing laps almost made me walk out before the film had even started - I was not prepared to sit through over an hour of "beautiful scenery" shot to the cool sounds of the "latest" Pheonix soundtrack (which never made it's debut, unfortunately).

But as I stuck in there, the poignant character development drew me in, and left me so satisfied in the end. I actually left with a smile on my face!

Miss:

I hated the opening scene, of the car doing laps. And I didn't like how much time we all spent in that stupid car driving from A to B all film. I understand that we were experiencing the mundane and "normal" aspects of Johnny's life, but it was a little too normal for me, and I wanted him to stop the car so I could get out.

Hit:

For me, there were more hits than misses in this film.

I loved all characters and actors - even Stephen Dorff, who I expected to fall madly in love with (as a nostalgic nod to my teen years) but didn't, and Elle Fanning - who was spectaculary innocent and perfectly subtle in her interpretation of an 11 year old Celebrity Spawn.

The thing I like most about this film was how Sofia Coppola manages to linger in a scene just long enough to make us feel like something uncomfortable or devestating is about to happen - but never actually takes it there.

Others might see this as the art of the anti-climax. One friend said it was just boring that nothing ever happened. I like that her films don't venture into the morbid parts of human reality.

For example - when Cleo and Johnny's best friend are drawing on the guitar together - there is a certain feeling in the air that the scene could take a turn for the worst and something sinister could happen between the characters, as their interaction is so close. But it doesn't, and you are almost left feeling guilty that your mind had to take such innocent interaction and expect the worst!

I find Sofia Coppola the Master of Purity (A big title, I know, but one I think she has earned over her last few films) and I find her films refreshing becuase of this aspect.

I also loved the sweet lightness of being that was evoked from a heavy subject matter. "What am I doing with my life " is not an easy crossroads for anyone to arrive at; famous, rich, common or poor. I loved that Johnny asked that question and it didn't feel painful - yet it still felt real.

Finally, I loved how it ended abruptly, which is to be expected with Sofia Coppola films.

Verdict:

Much has been said about Somewhere being a let down, but I think if you can appreciate that it's an indulgent look at a human experience that most people don't get to see, then it can be a beautiful and very enjoyable film.

If you are expecting a cult classic, this doesn't have enough substance to be watched more than once.