The title "lost in translation" does not refer to the cultural barrier between Japanese and Americans. Rather, it is a reference to that abyss dividing every human being from other human beings. Maybe once in a lifetime, at the right place, with the right person, under the right circumstances, you can bridge that abyss. The fact that this movie can capture this perfect moment is a small miracle.
I don't know what Bill Murray said to Scarlett Johansson at the end of Lost in Translation. I hope we never find out. The connection between the two is so personal, so intimate, that no words can truly express it anyway.
I can only speculate on what I would say if I were Bill:
"We will probably never see each other again. But that's ok. Because I love you, and you know that."
Comments (4)
very deep thoughts
Thanks! As a person named "lostsoul" I suspect you probably enjoyed this movie too. Good luck with the house hunting. =)
I think the title *did* refer to the "cultural barrier" between Japan and U.S. as well the more abstract and general barrier you mention. It was the Japanese/US barrier that give rise to the circumstances that permitted Murray and Johansson to meet. Without it, the would not have felt alienated and never would have bonded. Very nice Xanga site. Keep up the great work!
"It was the Japanese/US barrier that give rise to the circumstances that permitted Murray and Johansson to meet. Without it, the would not have felt alienated and never would have bonded. "
I think you are right. A small quibble though: The foreign setting did not create Murray and Johansson's alienation, it merely acentuated their awareness of it.
If this story took place in the states, Murray and Johansson would still be unhappily married to people who did not understand or appreciate them. But Murray and Johansson would not notice their loneliness as much, for they would be distracted/comforted by familiar surroundings.
BTW, I'm so glad I didn't click on your link at work. I think I would've been fired. *grin*
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