COPPOLA CRAZE
“It’s about misunderstandings between people and places, being disconnected and looking for moments of connection. There are so many moments in life when people don’t say what they mean, when they are just missing each other, waiting to run into each other in a hallway.”
Sofia Coppola, the master of reinventing known plot lines. Coppola made a name for herself based off her eclectic, dreamy aesthetics that she weaves into every film she directs. The second you sit down for one of her films, you are immediately transported to a euphoric setting, graced by whimsical narratives and bold female characters. Somehow, Coppola uses scenery and costume design to create a feeling of warmth, when most of the times, the plot lines are anything but warm.
Coppola films are the perfect kind of dichotomies: innocence met with maturity, femininity challenged by traditional society, lightness struck by darkness. Her films act like a comfort blanket whenever I need a moment of solitude.
One can easily define a film as a Coppola piece by her innate, maximalist, feminine scenery, utilizing spaces to show character depth. She not only places importance on the female perspective, but she does it in a manner that doesn’t feel forced, or overbearing.
I am a bit late to the game, but I figured why not write a little blurb about which emotion I believe each film resonates with. Like a go-to film guide for my Coppola lovers! And if you haven’t yet, go ahead and add her book to your Amazon cart, endless source of inspiration for any mood you’re in.
**PS - no majorrrr events will be spoiled, nothing more or less will be said than if you were to look up each movie (in case any of you have yet to watch these films)
THE VIRGIN SUICIDES - FRUSTRATION
Imagine you’re a teenage girl, simply trying to live out your teenage years to the best of your abilities, but continuously are overtaken by familial ties. Frustrating, right? While I’m not sure that I would note The Virgin Suicides as a thriller per se, there’s thrilling elements mashed together with Coppola’s signature comforting, coming-of-age plot line that makes you feel as though you are actively relating to the young girls present within the film. Kirsten Dunst, aka Lux (a new addition to my baby name list), plays the ultimate rebellious teenage girl trope, while still acting out in the most graceful manner. Coppola subtly touches on the concept that a woman always has eyes on her; femininity is almost always met with an audience. It’s mysterious, it’s thrilling, it’s silly, it’s girlhood, it’s Virgin Suicides.
MARIE ANTOINETTE - LONGING
“Let them eat cake!” Yeah, we are all familiar with the phrase. However, Coppola transformed this popular, historical narrative into a commentary on the feminine role in society, highlighting the power structure between men and women. Yet again, Kirsten Dunst assumes the role of Marie Antoinette with such grace that I would believe you if you told me this was the real Marie Antoinette. Dunst longs for happiness, stability, and glamour while struggling to become accustomed to her unfamiliar lifestyle as France’s newest queen. Her marriage, dismal. Her wardrobe, packed. Her subjects, angered. Coppola retells the story of this famed villainess through her iconic maximalist, feminine scenery. The modern take of Antoinette is refreshing, and nonetheless, wildly entertaining.
The Bling Ring - Jealousy
The age of social media is upon us, we are high schoolers who just want to have fun and have nice things, is that so wrong? Maybe, but only if the way you obtain those goals is through robbing A-list, early 2000s celebrities. Bling Ring, based on a true incident, is the perfect movie that tests how far teenagers will go to look “cool” in front of their peers, and most importantly, how far we will go for the sake of fashion. We all have celebrity idols, but would you ever steal from them to get on their level of wealth? Bling Ring might answer this question.
Lost in Translation - Loneliness
Set in Tokyo, Scarlett Johansson plays a newly married, young woman who feels trapped in a life where she never feels that she truly belongs. Loneliness seethes throughout this film, and Johnasson’s character emanates that feeling. Seemingly, the two characters should be happy in their respective lives: Bill Murray plays a movie star and Johansson plays a newly wed. However, the true narratives of each characters’ life start to unfold under the bright lights of the Tokyo skyline. If you’re feeling lost, slumped, or even just need a distraction, Lost in Translation may just be the perfect film for you.
priscilla - vulnerability
Coppola’s newest film, Priscilla, stars Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi. Once again, Coppola nails the retelling of an overlooked female icon. When watching Priscilla, you can physically understand the level of neglect Priscilla feels in her relationship with Elvis. The stark age difference mixed with obstructing female innocence makes the film all the more profound. After all, Elvis got his movie, why shouldn’t Priscilla?