Lost, trapped, and undecided are a few themes explored in the films of the great Sofia Coppola—a director who has conquered the art of loneliness. In each of her works, a distinct mood is set. The depth and abundance of her imagery, sounds, and music perfectly translate a theme underneath. Whether alone or in ensembles, all of these characters struggle with isolation.
Only a few directors, such as Coppola, are invested in exploring the inner world of their characters. The color palettes in the set dressing and wardrobe help highlight the melancholy tones and disconnected worlds. The soundtrack that she composed is my personal favorite and the most vital part that comes with her films. It adds a great tone and atmosphere for reflecting and contemplating a film.
Here are some of my favorites that altered my brain chemistry:
The Virgin Suicides is a depressing and poetically gorgeous story of troubled girls living in the male gaze. We are shown a tragic story without all the pieces left, wondering why the girls did what they did. However, we conclude that we will never know who they are because nobody cares. All they cared about was what the girls could be to them, a fantasy.
Lost In Translation follows a friendship or love that two isolated characters develop in a country where neither speaks the language. I know the age gap is weird; there's no arguing there, but many have taken the film as this theme of hope, which can result from two isolated souls. The relationship helps them not focus on their problems for a while, and like in real life, you can't pull yourself out of depression entirely alone.
Marie Antoinette gives the depiction of Marie as a girl, not the ruler. Sofia is a mastermind in escapism with this film, which is one of my favorites. Coppola’s goal was to convey the accuracy of a teenager ripped from her home to start a new life to stage royalty. The montages of treats, wardrobe, and parties mirror scenes of her crying alone and settle shots that let the audience know the horrors she’s thinking without dialogue necessary.
The Bling Ring is without a doubt the most cuntiest film to be made in the last decade. Emma Watson’s famous quote “I wanna Rob” in the film is so accurate to me because why not? I think we all want to rob and take whatever we want, whether we are willing to admit it or not. These kids did not think hard about the repercussions of what they were doing, which is so accurate to how your mind is at a certain age. No one is thinking twice about how what they are doing can have a lasting impact on you and those you surround yourself with.
Anyway, the soundtrack is perfect. Sofia Coppola made the greatest period piece of the 21st century. She knows the mindset of her target audience, which makes her such a true visionary. 2013 today, tomorrow, and always!
The Beguiled is so perfectly contained. During the Civil War, a group of young girls with two teachers at a boarding school came upon a wounded soldier who tested their humanity. The film is tense at times but in a whimsical way that shows danger, but it’s like not something to run from. The complexity of the film tests what isolation and the effects of war can have on a community and where they go from there.
Priscilla is like a coming of age with a bit of a dark fairytale. The film follows a girl groomed by her first love, highlighting the highs and lows. Cailee Spaeny’s performance is beyond genius as she does not speak much; it's more like there’s a monologue going on with her face and body language. The lack of narration is great because silence is even more powerful in a scene that Coppola does well. The decision from Elvis' estate to not let his music in the movie was the best they could do. Without his music present, he is boiled down to being an abusive man.
The honesty and vulnerability that Sofia Coppola can capture in her storytelling is brilliant. Words cannot describe the vibes or the atmosphere that she depicts in each film.
To me, Sofia can do no wrong. Long live her and her work!
Written by Daniel Rojas