The director-writer of “Somewhere” first became someone because of her famous showbiz father. So, it’s appropriate that her latest well-crafted art house piece would be focused on the relationship between a famous showbiz father and his bright daughter. Sofia Coppola has shown a distinct style and refined taste in previous works (“Virgin Suicides,” “Lost in Translation”) and in today’s somewhat less accessible two-hand drama. But she will probably always be recognized initially as the child of the 1970s genius who made the “Godfather” films and “Apocalypse Now.”
| IF YOU GO |
| ‘Somewhere’ |
| 3 out of 5 Stars |
| » Stars: Stephen Dorff, Elle Fanning |
| » Director: Sofia Coppola |
| » Rated R for sexual content, nudity and language. |
| » Running Time: 98 minutes |
Francis Ford Coppola’s movies are seminal, epic even; they’ll exist for as long as movies do. Sophia’s are personal, reflective; they usually deal in themes of alienation and disorientation, especially as they affect young females.
Despite Francis’ large shadow, Sophia remains thoroughly her own filmmaker. “Somewhere” is no exception. It moves deliberately and is about lucky people’s problems. But it drew me in and resonated, especially when it seemed to be revealing the artist’s authentic understanding of these fictionalized characters and their rarefied realm.
The thirtysomething Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff) is having a very early midlife crisis. He’s a huge celebrated movie star with tons of money, and yet he is bored and depressed. He lives a self-centered existence in Los Angeles’ Chateau Marmont, Sunset Boulevard’s legendary old hotel where Hollywood greats of the modern and golden age have always partied and, notoriously, where John Belushi died.
Like the Chateau, Johnny is a little seedy — he hires up twin pole dancers to the room, prefers one-night stands — and is in need of a rehab. The depiction of his existential ennui goes on for half the picture (too long!) until something happens to save not only the picture but also the protagonist.
Everything elevates when Johnny’s baby mama dumps their 11-year-old Cleo (Elle Fanning) on him. Wise and cool beyond her years, Cleo dotes on and tags along with Johnny on his travels. As always, in reality and the movies, deep connection with another human being makes life worth living again.
After an extended career fade, Dorff has never been better, here echoing a stardom he lost some time ago. And the matter-of-fact Miss Fanning, little sister of Dakota, offers acting nuance that most adults would envy.
In her spot-on casting choices and ability to achieve a suddenly touching culmination, Sophia eventually makes “Somewhere” the place to be.
