‘Somewhere’ – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Like a sunset, writer-director Sofia Coppola’s latest film “Somewhere” offers a delicate glimpse at a regularly stunning occurrence that’s taken for granted. And like a sunset — blink and it’s gone.
Focusing on washed-up Hollywood actor Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff), “Somewhere” travels down the lonely and pothole-littered rut of a road that is Marco’s life. He chases women, drinks and takes pills, but none of his pursuits hold any real significance. Each day washes by him like beach surf, here and then gone forever. Despite the weekly presence of his daughter Cleo (Elle Fanning), Marco’s life lacks any real meaning, and it’s totally heartbreaking.
But then, a miracle of sorts materializes — Elle’s mom disappears, and suddenly Marco has to do more than watch his daughter at ice skating lessons; he has to try to parent her. Disney-style plot gimmick this is not, “Somewhere” operates with tenderness that is nonexistent in most films.
Using her minimalist style as means to an end, Coppola crafts a very specific, slice-of-life story that encompasses the universally relatable themes of personal struggle and family.
Filled with small, emotional gut punches of moments, Dorff and Fanning’s relationship nurtures a father-daughter chemistry that is as incomparable as it is endearing. Being just the right age between kid and teenager, Fanning shines with a maturity that still echoes with innocence and proves she’s a far more capable actress than her sister. Dorff, on the other hand, paints the perfect portrait of that broken Hollywood asshole who everyone still hopes will pull his life together.
“Somewhere” opens and closes with the two-part instrumental track “Love Like a Sunset” by the French band Phoenix. Each time the song hits heavyweight hard, which goes for the whole of the film; there isn’t a single moment that doesn’t culminate to some effortlessly touching scene.
At the end of it all, “Somewhere” stands radiant, gleaming as one of the finest films of the year.
"Somewhere" will be showing at Ragtag through March 24.