Formal Film Study: Sofia Coppola

Sofia Coppola

Sofia Carmina Coppola (born May 14, 1971) is an American screenwriter, director, producer and actress. In 2003, she received the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Lost in Translation, and became the third woman (and first American woman) to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director. In 2010, with Somewhere, she became the first American woman (and fourth American filmmaker) to win the Golden Lion, the top prize at the Venice Film Festival. (Wikipedia) 

The Bling Ring (2013)

Inspired by actual events, a group of fame-obsessed teenagers use the internet to track celebrities’ whereabouts in order to rob their homes. [IMDb]

Genre: Crime, Drama

Culture The message of the Bling Ring that today our society is celebrity obsessed, and that people love attention. The message of Lost in Translation is the meaning of happiness, marriage, and the meaning of it all.                                   Style The two styles of these movies are different. In the Bling Ring, there are a lot of shots where it is very dark and the camera starts zooming in slowly. In Lost in Translation, there are shots up close to the characters’ face (when riding in a taxi, sitting at the bar). There are also a lot of shots where the camera is at the floor and long-shots of the character walking. The Bling Ring seems to be darker. Especially because it was shot during the night. Industry The Bling Ring is much different than any other movie made, and so is Lost in Translation. A lot of teenagers would like the Bling Ring because it centers on the characters stealing clothes, jewelry, and possessions from celebrities including Paris Hilton. Lost in Translation could relate to a younger adult audience (20’s), because Scarlett Johansson’s character is a young woman who is married and her husband neglects her, and does not know what she wants to do with her life. Same for Bill Murray’s character, a middle-aged man who has a family but is unhappy. Both movies would do great in the industry because people can relate to them. Technology What’s interesting about the technology is the different kind of filters they use in the movie Bling Ring. It is shot in a dreary looking darker tone, it is the same for Lost in Translation.                                              Lost In Translation (2003)

A faded movie star and a neglected young wife form an unlikely bond after crossing paths in Tokyo. [IMDb]

Genre: Drama