Somewhere

Sofia Coppola’s latest film begins with a static shot of a car driving around in a circle, though we only see the car every now and then. The scene itself probably only lasts a few minutes. It feels like hours. If you’re struggling at that point already then I suggest you may want to cuddle up in your seat and take a snooze as things only get slower from that point onwards. Somewhere follows Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff) a successful Hollywood actor and his daily routine, that of, basically, being bored. Long scenes of him sitting in bed, sitting on chairs, sitting in make-up litter the film. Ok Sofia we get it. Being a glamorous film star isn’t all it’s made out to be. Some reviews have been critical in the sense of saying why should we sympathise with Marco? He’s rich, famous, good looking etc. Boo Hoo him. I don’t actually think it’s that clear cut. To be fair to Coppola, she does address this towards the end of the film when a crying and distressed Marco is given short shrift by his agent. However, if the point of the film is to show that being a film star / celebrity / rich / famous isn’t all it’s made out to be, well, that’s hardly news is it? In addition, Coppola fails to answer a fairly important issue in the film. If Marco hates it so much, when doesn’t he just find something else to do? The introduction of Marco’s daughter into the film doesn’t add much, apart from to show that, despite a weakness for the ladies, he seems an alright kind of chap. Dorff is actually pretty good in this, despite not having much to do. However, the fact this won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, reminds me of when things like lights going on and off win the Turner Prize. Is it art or arse? Somewhere is pure bottom for me.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
This isn’t a case of “getting” it or not. I think all people get the point, but it’s not worth spending your money on. Dorff is good, though. Rating: 3/10.