Pure eye-candy in the form of a sometimes obnoxious but never the less captivating romance. Despite a certain air of smugness that I detect while watching this, I generally enjoy it. As one of the more vapid users on this site, I’ve always taken Sophia Coppola for somewhat of a cinematic fashionista not unlike her detractor Vincent Gallo. Their films’ super chic shot framing, colors, music etc. play greater importance than any philosophical narrative their work could possibly possess. It can be hard not to let Coppola’s background into consideration when watching this. After all, she was born into the financial resources / established connections that made much of this film possible. But even so, she possesses an excellent sense for design that can’t be purchased or even taught for that matter. And even if she is privileged to be the daughter of an enormously successful filmmaker, she still made this thing for a bit over four million dollars. In comparison to a film like Antichrist which features far fewer actors, takes place in a forest and still cost eleven million, I’m willing to say that Coppola did a lot with a little. The film is great to look at and listen to (the sound design is pretty damn incredible.) At points it feels more like a dreamy, well-crafted fashion ad while Johansson sits in her billion dollar hotel room with a window facing the the wildest looking part of Tokyo. Often times the stylistic elements supersede the dialogue which is essentially just clever back and forth remarks by Murray and Johansson. When I watch this, I frequently find myself tuning out of the conversation entirely as I gaze into infinite tones of neon. Their characters are undoubtedly charming but also kind of snobby assholes who are privileged to a life that few are but still just can’t seem to take advantage of it (roles killed by Murray and Johansson.) Upon meeting one another, they feel more comfortable to walk around Japan and do silly shit. Regardless of that, they together experience a connection that many can relate to. One where a reality is passed before your eyes that you desire but can’t have. I’ve felt that tightening in your stomach as you watch a person you think you might love walk out of your life due to unrelated circumstances. The type of connection which so rarely has the certainty necessary to justify a clear ending, so I quite liked how Coppola concluded this one. I enjoyed this film and I definitely think it is the hipster shit that some film people would label it as. But fuck it, hipsters are cute.