Lost in Wong Kar-Wai

Filmbrain was thrilled that Sofia Coppola, during her Oscar acceptance speech, mentioned Wong Kar-Wai as an influence when writing Lost in Translation. There are quite a few nods to Wong in the film, but none stronger than the scene at the karaoke bar. Bob steps out into the hall where Charlotte sits queitly smoking. He places himself right next to her on the sofa. Not a word passes between them. They both take a drag off her cigarette (another great smoking scene -- see below) as Charlotte slowly rests her head on Bob's shoulder. The camera lingers on them in this position for some moments. How can one not but think of near identical scenes from In the Mood for Love and Happy Together? All three films contain relationships that, for one reason or another, are just not meant to be. The gesture in all three cases, as insignificant as it appears, speaks volumes about the nature of the relationship, the longing one has for the other, and at the same time a sense of comfort and safety they feel when nestled like that. Whereas both Wong Kar-Wai scenes take place in the back of a taxi, Sofia's occurs just before a taxi ride that finds Bob and Charlotte on opposite ends of the seat. Very nice touch. Perhaps Filmbrain is reading too much into this, and it's all just coincidence. Have a look at all three and decide for yourself.

Comments

[greg.org]

Nice catch, I think you're right. I'd always figured Coppola's thanks to Wong was about the saturated color palette they share, especially when shooting moody cities at night (even back to Fallen Angels).

Still, for Coppola, it's a more comforting emotional gesture. I forget the context of ITMFL, but that Happy Together scene is so heavy with sadness and resignation; you just know it can't last. (waitaminnit, that's the point of LIT, too...)

Good-looking weblog, too. Look forward to many more posts. About Mel Gibson! (just kidding. That's my ill-advised Triumph the insult commenter impression.)

[conell]

thanks for bloglinking me. i'm pleased to know that you're a fellow wong kar-wai fan. that's a remarkable observation you made on those wkw films and lost in translation. i can't wait to watch it.

[Pauly D]

It's funny about Lost In Translation -- here in Los Angeles and the industry people went crazy over it because (I think) it's rare that any studio makes a film so quiet with so much to be said with that silence. I thought the movie was great, but not the world-changing experience that some in Hollywood would have alluded to it being, just so they had something to talk about.

[Alex]

I think you're absolutely right - the endings are the same. In ITMFL Mr. Chow whispers something that the audience can't hear into the tree - the expression of his longing or whatever; that's exactly what Bob whispers to Charlotte at the end of Lost In translation.

Your site is fabulous by the way - I got here via greencine - and I'll be back often.

A

[luis]

Nice blog! I definitely see the similarities between Lost in Translation and In the Mood for Love. The subtleties in their love for one another. The gestures caught on film, Charlotte and Bob experiencing isolation with their spouses, and their parallel lives intersecting. I can't wait till Wong Kar Wai finishes his next film, 2004!