Somewhere (2010)

Somewhere was directed by filmmaker Sofia Coppola whose previous credits include The Virgin Suicides (1999) & Lost in Translation (2003). This film provides further proof that the young director, whose father is movie legend Francis Ford Coppola, is a talented auteur in her own right.

Somewhere is a film more about mood & atmosphere than plot or action. Not much happens within the course of the movie. Basically Somewhere provides a glimpse into the life of lackluster movie star Johnny Marco who has holed up in the famous Hollywood hotel the Chateau Marmont. 

Coppola sets the pace of the film early as she focuses her unflinching camera on capturing a sequence in which Johnny is seen driving around & around in circles in his sportscar. In this way the director illustrates how, although the character is physically moving, he's actually going nowhere. Metaphorically Johnny's living his life by going through the motions & moving in circles.

In this film Coppola attempts to deconstruct the popular myth about the glamorous life of a movie star. Behind the photo ops, press junkets, & award shows Somewhere reveals that an actor's real life can be lonely, boring, & shallow. This is made evident throughout the film during scenes in which viewers are witness to quiet moments in Johnny's life in which he's seen sitting alone smoking & drinking.

Because Coppola is the daughter of cinema icon Francis Ford Coppola she has a unique perspective on fame & fortune. Her real life experiences & insight into celebrity life no doubt served to enhance this film. 

Somewhere provides a telling portrait which reveals the emptiness of fame. Although he's a “star” Johnny spends most of his time smoking too much, drinking to excess, speeding around in his sportscar, & indulging in an active but shallow sex life. He's unhappy, disconnected, & ultimately unfulfilled.

Stephen Dorff portrays the lead character in the film. His performance is subtle & effective. The only important person in his life is Cleo, his 11 year old daughter played by Elle Fanning, actress Dakota's younger sister.

Somewhere succeeds in giving viewers a realistic father/daughter relationship. There is nothing sugary or sappy about the way these 2 characters interact. Dorff's character doesn't undergo a dramatic transformation because of his time with his daughter, instead he subtly evolves. It's interesting to note that the only time viewers see Johnny being authentic & having fun is during a scene in which he's playing in the hotel pool with his daughter.

In many ways Somewhere is reminiscent of Coppola's award winning & critically acclaimed movie Lost in Translation. Both films feature lonely people who, despite having money, aren't happy. The 2 films are also both driven by characterization rather than plot. Within the course of both films the main characters undergo subtle internal changes rather than making dramatic over the top life transformations.

Somewhere is not a film for everyone. Viewers accustomed to usual Hollywood fare may leave the theatre feeling unsatisfied or confused. For those who value subtly & character development, however, Somewhere provides rare insight into the movie star stereotype & like an onion Coppola peels back the exterior layers to reveal a character disconnected from the world around him. 

Originally published on Helium.