Hatchet Reporter Katie Donham shares her latest flick.

Somewhere (2010)

Sofia Coppola’s film depicts the ever-present idea of a celebrity who gets caught up in their fame, and starts partying and using drugs. However, the almost pathetic Johnny (Stephen Dorff), is able to pull himself together when his young daughter, Clio, is dropped off at his hotel room and house. Clio (Elle Fanning), is not what you would expect a celebrity’s daughter to be like: she’s not spoiled; she’s not a drama queen; and she is oftentimes more mature than her adult father. The pair, occasionally joined by Sammy, Johnny’s best friend played randomly enough by Jackass’s Chris Pontius, spend the summer just generally having fun.

While the film doesn’t have a strong plot, it wasn’t really supposed to. The lack of plot shows how mundane fame really is. Johnny doesn’t do anything glamorous, and even living in Chateau Marmont, the supposed pinnacle of celebrity partying, is like any house that happens to have room service.

Sofia Coppola was also very focused on the art aspect of the film, and it shows. The first 20 minutes had no talking; however, the nature of Johnny’s life became crystal clear to the audience.

If you’re looking for an action film, this is not it. If you’re looking for Sofia Coppola’s greatest work, this is also not this. But if you’re looking to see a not-frequently-shown side of Hollywood and an adorable father-daughter relationship,this is a very good choice.
(R, 1:37)

Genre: Drama
Director: Sofia Coppola
Starring: Elle Fanning, Stephen Dorff, Chris Pontius,
Release: Dec. 22nd, 2010