Both Lost in Translation and Her are movies which deal with feelings of isolation and loneliness. They hit upon the raw emotions of being alienated from family and friends. Also, the two movies show the triumph of how it feels to ultimately get a grip on life. Besides starring Scarlett Johansson, these two movies parallel each other in many ways.
Lost in Loneliness and Estrangement
At the outset of Lost in Translation, Charlotte, portrayed by Johansson, is seen aimlessly accompanying her husband, John (Giovanni Ribisi) to Tokyo, Japan. John is a photographer caught up in his very busy schedule. He also has friends to occupy much of his free time.
Charlotte’s insomnia is only worsened by her plight of having nothing to do and her absence of goals. She soon meets Bob (Bill Murray), an aging actor, who is performing commercial work in Japan. Soon the two find common ground and share adventures in the neon jungle of Tokyo. Bob and Charlotte have deep conversations and irreverently go on jaunts throughout the city, all the while bonding.
Perfect Persona Defines the AI in Her
Theodore, played by Joaquin Phoenix, is the protagonist in Her. He is newly divorced from his wife, Catherine, (played by real life wife, Rooney Mara). Theodore is a writer and accustomed to spending many hours at a computer keyboard. Soon he gets a new AI program, along with some unexpected perks. The AI he “meets” is Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
Theodore and Samantha discover their kinship as their connection grows deeper. Although she is AI, Theodore finds himself falling for, and she for him. As much as Samantha has gleaned from Theodore, he has learned from Samantha to appreciate and value his life again.
Parallels in Both Films on Love & Lost
Aside from each of movies addressing what it’s like to be left out or left behind, they also illustrate the importance of connecting with someone or something else. Lost in Translation gives meaning to finding a friend in an unfamiliar environment while Her purposes Theodore’s journey to self-realization through artificial means.
There is also a familial connection to both of these films. In 2003 Lost in Translation was directed by Sofia Coppola. In the latter, which came out about 10 years later, was directed by Spike Jonze. The two had been married for several years before the former film was released. It could be said that Jonze’s Her was an answer to Coppola’s film.
A Few Final Thoughts
Besides being two thought-provoking pieces of work, the movies, Lost in Translation and her, show different sides of a complex and unconventional relationship. While a young woman finds solace and commonality with a friend, AI shows a solitary man what his life can be like if fully lived. The films are thoughtful, engaging and offer different takes on isolation.
