Columbus has a distinctly similar feel to Lost in Translation. Both films follow two characters—a middle-aged man and a young adult female—experiencing a personal crisis in their lives. By chance the two characters meet and begin interacting, growing closer in an ambiguously-romantic relationship set in an aesthetically pleasing region. Now comparing Columbus to Lost in Translation does not mean Columbus is on Lost in Translation’s level—but to be fair, I never expected such. Lost in Translation is both my favorite film of the 2000s and one of my favorite films of all time—Columbus being on its level would have been quite the remarkable achievement. Nevertheless, Columbus succeeds as a very good story with some visually gorgeous cinematography.
Columbus is a prime example of how an already compelling story can be further heightened when a director effectively utilizes sound and cinematography. Columbus takes full advantage of its titled city’s unique architecture, both in and out of story. The scenery, sculptures, and buildings are beautiful eye candy to view. Its main duo are architect aficionados, giving the film an in-story reason to extensively focus on such art. The film often uses stationary long shots behind its characters, capturing the size and grandeur of whatever setting they’re appreciating. There’s little soundtrack in Columbus, instead relying on the setting’s serene nature sounds (birds, rain, etc.) to create ambiance. I particularly enjoy the film’s usage of rain, giving scenes a tranquil serenity alongside its rich, beautiful scenery. Mirrors are creatively used to showcase people and expressions from a stationary shot’s nonvisible angles. At one point the film uses two different mirrors for two people positioned in different areas of the room. It’s all so aesthetically pleasing and works wonders alongside the film’s story.
Columbus’ characters are fleshed out, three-dimensional, and best of all, likable. There’s an abundance of philosophical discussions between characters, yet such conversations lack any pretentiousness. The film does not try to push any ideals or ideology, it simply examines human nature through our curiosity, interests and underlining emotion. The film also has an equal lacking in melodrama. When a character is upset, it’s made clear through subtle vocal shifts and movements over theatrical emotion. In short, the dialogue feels natural even when it really shouldn’t, with the film’s peaceful scenery and calming atmosphere enhancing such impression. The dialogue is very engaging, even when it has little to do with the plot. One scene has a character discuss a lecture he heard on human interest. The discussion has little to do with the story itself (though I could easily be mistaken, with it possessing some grand, underlining message about the story I completely missed), yet I find it utterly fascinating to listen to. It helps that the actors seem truly invested in their words and give their characters an authentic feel. Columbus is an absolutely gorgeous film with a compelling story about fleshed out, likable characters at its core.
