Somewhere (2010)

Somewhere is certainly no exception to that. The latest release from the award-winning director of Lost in Translation is beautiful both in its look and in its message.

Somewhere tells two stories: actor Johnny Marco's sad and lonely existence before his adolescent daughter comes to stay with him, and that of his life after. The front half of the flick deals with Johnny Marco's daily life. He parties too hard, lives in a hotel suite and gets his entertainment mainly from hired strippers. Johnny's life changes when his 11-year-old daughter Cleo is dropped off by her mother in Johnny's hotel. The two instantly re-bond, after a presumably long separation, and he becomes the father who takes his daughter to skating practice and plays endless hours of Guitar Hero with her. The film focuses on the bond between father and daughter and blurs the lines between who is caring for whom in the relationship.

Giving a quiet and contemplative — but no less stunning — performance as Johnny Marco is Stephenen Dorff. This character is a real change for Dorff, who is better known for his roles in action flicks like Public Enemies and Blade. He plays Marco with a shy and reserved kind of quiet, and yet he is able to pull out all the stops in the poignant emotional climax of the film.

Punctuating Dorff's performance is Elle Fanning, who seems to have truly stepped clear out of the shadow of her sister, Dakota. Fanning plays the role of Marco's daughter Cleo who, with bright eyes and bushy tail, steps into the spotlight with her father. Fanning also plays her role quietly and demurely, no doubt by request of director Coppola, but like her costar shines during the film's emotional release.

Everything about this film has Sofia Coppola written all over it. The quiet score and musical overlays that, even during the strippers' performances, are never more than a whisper, relax the audience into the vibe of Coppola. Even the strippers are demure and beautiful. There is nothing messy or loud about Somewhere; it simply contains all the good things life holds for Johnny Marco. There is smooth editing and long, beautiful shots that last for minutes on end. Cool from the beginning to the beautiful and touching finale, the signature vibe of reserved beauty and delicate love of Coppola's previous films is implicitly found in each moment.

Perhaps not quite as moving as Lost in Translation, but only short of it by a hair, Somewhere is a heartfelt and touching film. If Lost in Translation was your kind of movie, then Somewhere is not to be missed. On the other hand, if you're not a fan of long, subtle storytelling, you may have a difficult time fully appreciating this one. It can be found playing at the appropriately quiet Highland Cinemas in London.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars