Film & Media: Lost in Translation Revisited: Mental Health Awareness Week

In a one-off special Mental Health week, this session revisits Sofia Coppola’s 2003 film Lost in Translation. Within the film, Scarlett Johansson plays Charlotte, a recently married American 20-something spending her days alone in Tokyo whist her husband works. Charlotte forms an unlikely friendship with Bob (Bill Murray) a middle –aged man also from the States feeling isolated and disillusion whilst on a work-related visit. A film initially praised by critics yet one which divided audiences. In more recent the years the film has attracted some renewed prise for drawing attention to issues such as feelings of isolation and loneliness, some may also argue the film presents several cases toward the need for calm in a chaotic modern world. We revisit Lost in Translation, away from the hype we take time to examine some of the more mental well-being based themes and also take time to re-evaluate the film in general, notably its portrayal of the city. Sofia Coppola’s work has over time built up several traits, styles and themes frequently feature, we will also take time to consider her own creative input. Some critics also targeted the film as prejudice, we will question is this is true, or if indeed some of the film’s intentions have also been lost in translation.