By Haley Burnside, Staff Writer
On Friday night the Manhattan College Film Society screened the Sofia Coppola film, “Lost in Translation” in Hayden 100.
The 2003 film depicts the adventures of Bob Harris and Charlotte, played by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson respectively. These two lonely characters cross paths in Tokyo, Japan and discover that they share a profound level of similarity despite their obvious age and career differences.
The Film Society selected this particular picture because it fits with this year’s theme: alienation.
Several students showed up to view the film and discuss the cinematography, themes and symbolism. Most were there to watch it for the first time.
Leah Cordova, an officer for the Film Society, led the screening. She introduced the film by sharing some information about Coppola as well as the two main characters.
“They seem to be unable to communicate with everyone even though Tokyo is so dense,” Cordova said. “You would think that they would meet people to connect with, but as you’ll see it doesn’t really work out.”
Cordova went on to explain that this recurring struggle to communicate gives the film its name, and creates a meaningful message for viewers.
“I think that the film reminds us about how beautiful human connection can be,” she said.
Following the hour and 40 minute film, students engaged in a brief open discussion led by Cordova.
A key discussion point revolved around the significance of the relationship between the two main characters. Students reflected on whether they viewed the relationship as a platonic, intimate or even inappropriate. Most voiced an expression of approval of their interactions with each other and a simultaneous distaste for the interactions the characters had with others.
The conversation also fixated on the cinematography utilized by Coppola.
Margaret Toth, Ph.D. and a film studies professor at Manhattan College added her insight to the conversation on the use of film devices such as cross cutting and wide shots.
Opinions about the film overall seemed conclusive.
Senior George Tsamparlis expressed a positive take away from the screening. “It was the first time I watched the movie fully. I liked it a lot,” he said. He also enjoyed the discussion afterward.
“I came here today because I wanted to meet new people and watch a good movie with them,” Tsamparlis said. “It was fun.”
Patrick Journick, a freshman, enjoyed the film as well. “I came because I’m actually apart of the Film Society, but I dragged my friends with me,” Journick said. “They really ended up liking it though! My friend Julianna even wants to sign up to be a member of the film society now.”
The Film Society is open to all students who want to come and engage in a comprehensive viewing and discussion of a range of different films fitting the theme of the year.
The Film Society will be screening the 1976 film “Taxi Driver” next, and around the week of Halloween they will show a horror film titled “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night.”