Nothing Lost in this Translation

Lost In Translation as a movie had a major impact on me. It got me to thinking about where I was going with my life and what it really means to be happy. As such I think of it as invaluable, and it was a given that I was going to buy a copy of the DVD.



In a more subtle way, the soundtrack is just as much a must-have for lovers of the movie. So many of the moods that Sofia Coppola sets depend heavily on visuals (particularly the night scenes of Tokyo ablaze in neon and bustling with activity) and sound (namely the music). It's hard for me now to look at a night-time cityscape of red lights atop buildings without thinking of Death In Vegas' "Girls."



There are other songs that grew on me more gradually but are no less important. "Sometimes" by My Bloody Valentine did not elicit a major reaction from me initially but before long I started to fall under its spell of fuzzy guitar chords and soothing vocals (yes it's hard to understand what the lyrics are, but the vocals are more like another instrument than a vessel for words). "Just Like Honey" by The Jesus and Mary Chain was a clear winner too -- I'm not sure how I did not get into this band sooner, considering how much I like some of their contemporaries such as The Cure.



But the short tracks that appear in between these songs -- "On the Subway," "Ikebana," "Alone in Kyoto," "Are You Awake," etc. -- these are the "audible wallpaper" that kind of hold everything together. Many people will complain that these atmospheric tracks are just filler, but don't buy into that simplistic argument. These are the tracks that you almost don't even notice because they fit into their respective scenes so perfectly. They are just as important as the lighting, acting, and cinematography, but most people don't think enough to go back and associate these tunes with their corresponding events in the film.



It's true that the Teaches of Peaches song (do I have that right?) is not on the soundtrack but frankly it would be completely out of place if it were. The scene it was used in is, to put it mildly, a bit raunchy, and at odds with the movie's overall intelligent, introspective feel.



If you loved Lost In Translation, then this CD is a no-brainer purchase. Or even if you haven't seen it, but you like Air and other music that sets a navel-gazing mood, it's STILL a no-brainer purchase.

The Best Movie Ever

This music drives the entire movie. The movie is brilliant, but just wouldn't be the same without such an incredible soundtrack. I'm buying this soundtrack today. I suggest you do the same.

Very Simple....

I'm sorry. There is no opinion about it. This is by far the greatest soundtrack to ever support a film. The music is just as much a catalyst as the actors and the script. Pure genius.