Sophia Coppola’s Somewhere begins and ends with an unusual sense of powerful restraint. She defies the standard Hollywood film recipe and chooses to take the viewer on a very acutely and deliberately paced cinematic journey.

The film follows the character Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff) through a lonely and trying time. As a mega star, Johnny appears to have the world in the palm of his hand though internally he struggles with the meaninglessness of it all. He realizes just how empty his life has become despite his raging professional success when his 14-year-old daughter, Cleo (Elle Fanning) surprises her father with an extended visit. We see an unspoken and albeit new bond form between father and daughter. Sophia chooses to reveal both the characters to us slowly and perfectly in time with the film’s musical score. A rare Strokes version of “I’ll Try Anything Once” and Phoenix’s “Love like a Sunset Part 1 & 2” are the predominant tunes that truly are beautifully placed within the storyline.

The film leads through the emotional breakdown of Johnny and questions the modern ideal of Celebrity and Hollywood. Fanning plays Cleo with charm and grace, her innocent yet mature perspective on the world depicts a child with adult responsibilities. She becomes in a sense not only her own caretaker but also the savior of her father.

This film breaks down the glamour and fantasy of celebrity and explores a much more realistic side to the industry. Though it deals with a harsh reality there is a positive and up lifting undertone throughout. As an audience one sees both ugliness and beauty presented within the classic Sophia Coppola vernacular. I recommend this film as a Sunday afternoon matinee when you’re seeking an emotional drama with a soundtrack that doesn’t miss a beat!

Reviewed by: Adriana Romano