In the cult classic film “Lost in Translation,” there is a famous phrase that often perplexes viewers: “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.” This memorable line is spoken by the character Bob Harris, played by Bill Murray, during a fictitious whiskey commercial shoot. While it may seem like a simple advertising slogan, the Suntory line holds deeper significance within the context of the movie.
The Suntory Whiskey Commercial Scene
Within the film, Bob Harris, an American actor, finds himself in Tokyo shooting a commercial for Suntory whiskey. In this specific scene, Bob is seen sitting in a study-like setting, eerily calm and detached from his surroundings. The director, speaking in Japanese, describes the scene as Bob relaxing in his study, with a bottle of Suntory whiskey prominently displayed on the table.
The Literal Meaning of the Suntory Line
Bob’s line, “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time,” is the English translation of the Japanese commercial director’s instructions. In this context, the Suntory line is meant to promote the idea that Suntory whiskey is the perfect companion for moments of relaxation. It suggests that enjoying a sip of Suntory whiskey can help one unwind and find tranquility in their daily life.
Sarcasm and Irony in Bob’s Delivery
However, as the film progresses, it becomes evident that Bob’s delivery of the Suntory line is imbued with a sense of sarcasm and irony. Throughout the story, Bob finds himself feeling lost and disconnected in a foreign land, struggling to find meaning and purpose. Thus, when he delivers the line, there is a hint of cynicism, as if he is mocking the idea that a mere whiskey can bring true relaxation and happiness.
Existential Themes and Bob’s Discontentment
The Suntory line, in the broader context of the film, represents the existential themes explored in “Lost in Translation.” Bob’s dissatisfaction with his life, his stagnant career, and his strained marriage are mirrored in his detachment from the Suntory commercial. He sees through the superficiality and emptiness of advertising, recognizing that true fulfillment cannot be found in material possessions, such as a bottle of Suntory whiskey.
The Cultural Disconnect
Additionally, the Suntory line embodies the cultural disconnect experienced by the characters in “Lost in Translation.” Bob, being an American in Tokyo, finds himself surrounded by unfamiliar customs, language barriers, and a sense of being lost in an alien world. The Suntory line serves as a metaphor for this disconnect, as Bob struggles to fully grasp the meaning behind the commercial and adapt to the Japanese culture he is immersed in.
Reflections of Loneliness
Another interpretation of the Suntory line is its reflection of the characters’ loneliness. Both Bob and the film’s other protagonist, Charlotte, played by Scarlett Johansson, often feel isolated and misunderstood in their respective lives. The Suntory line, with its emphasis on relaxation, can be seen as a desperate attempt to find solace and escape from the overwhelming loneliness that pervades their existence.
The Beauty of Ambiguity
Ultimately, the true meaning of the Suntory line in “Lost in Translation” remains ambiguous and open to interpretation. It is a symbol that encapsulates themes of existentialism, cultural disconnection, discontentment, and loneliness within the film. Director Sofia Coppola intentionally leaves room for viewers to draw their conclusions, allowing the Suntory line to serve as a thought-provoking element that contributes to the overall atmosphere of the story.
The Timelessness of “Lost in Translation”
Over the years, “Lost in Translation” has garnered a dedicated following and continues to captivate audiences with its nuanced exploration of human emotions. The enigmatic nature of the Suntory line is just one of the many layers that make this film a timeless masterpiece, inviting viewers to reflect on life’s complexities and the search for genuine connection in an increasingly disconnected world.
