Film: Somewhere
Cast includes: Stephen Dorff (Public Enemies), Elle Fanning (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
Writer/Director: Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation)
Genre: Drama (2010)
In brief: Johnny Marco is stuck somewhere between being a high-profile Hollywood movie star and being a worthless nobody with too much time on his hands. His success as a movie star has helped him earn enough money to pay for some nice toys… like that Ferrari he drives around… and around. But most of the time Johnny Marco is just plain bored. Even the sexy pole-dancing twins can’t shake and shimmy enough to keep Johnny from falling asleep.
The only serious diversion in Johnny’s life is his eleven-year-old daughter, Cleo. While Johnny can’t be depended upon to remember which days he has Cleo, Cleo is devoted to Johnny. And Cleo is a great kid… always cheerful, helpful and easy going. You’d think Johnny’d be glad to take Cleo for a few extra days, but when Cleo’s mom has to “go away for a while,” Johnny’s parenting skills are stretched to the limit… even though Cleo seems to parent Johnny more than he parents her.
This is not a film for mainstream audiences. Although it would certainly be possible to think of other kinds of people, besides movie stars, who live rather meaningless lives, its topic is a bit esoteric. Watching some of the Los Angeles scenery go by is interesting, but the main character is hard to warm up to. Cleo brings out the best in Johnny, but Johnny’s best may not be good enough.
2 popped kernels
Slow moving film about a not-very-likable main character living a not-very-meaningful life
Popcorn Profile
Primary Audience: Young adults
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream limited release
Mood: Somber
Tempo: In no hurry
Visual Style: Unvarnished realism
Character Development: Engaging
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Thought provoking
