Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 100 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time, representing a varied cross-section of films and musical genres. Click “Next Soundtrack” below to explore each soundtrack in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & soundtrack index here.
Lost In Translation
Ryko/WEA (2003)
Selected by Justin Chadwick
“I’m just completely lost,” Bob Harris (Bill Murray) candidly confides to his wife over the phone from his Tokyo hotel suite, midway through Lost In Translation. It’s a simple (and sad) admission, but one that concisely encapsulates the pervasive sense of ennui and dislocation that defines Sofia Coppola’s excellent film. It’s a bleak, melancholic storyline to be sure. But the unexpected, endearing connection that evolves between Harris and the equally listless Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) offers more than enough redemption for the weary-hearted.
In the interest of full disclosure, Lost In Translation is one of my all-time favorite films. Definitely in my top five. And arguably, my #1 favorite film of the past 20 years. And while the top-tier screenplay, performances and cinematography all coalesce to activate my senses each time I re-watch it, it’s the sublime, evocative soundtrack that seals the deal for me. The throwback noise pop power of The Jesus and Mary Chain’s classic “Just Like Honey,” My Bloody Valentine’s shoegaze anthem “Sometimes,” and Phoenix’s playful “Too Young” are obvious highlights. But it’s the instrumental offerings by the likes of Brian Reitzell and Roger J. Manning Jr., Sébastien Tellier, Air, Squarepusher and MBV’s own Kevin Shields that provide the album’s most enveloping, engrossing fare.
LISTEN & WATCH: