SOMEWHERE

title: SOMEWHERE
year: 2010
cast: Stephen Dorff, Elle Fanning, Lala Sloatman, Chris Pontius
rating: ***

Writer/director Sofia Coppola takes us into the life of a famous actor hanging at the Chateau Marmont (and beyond), bedding every woman within eyeshot. Steven Dorff wanders (or lies down) throughout the film like a lazy lion that’s had seconds, and although he’s no slouch looks-wise, Dorff just doesn’t seem like an iconic A-list movie star. Nor does Coppola successfully establish his fame within the movie business other than a quickie press junket, an Italian award show, and one successfully claustrophobic scene involving prothstetic treatment. The "plot" centers on the relationship between Dorff and his young daughter, played by a subtle Elle Fanning, as he, trotting her around like dainty luggage, keeps his sexcapades peripheral or avoids them altogether. And there are no answers since no questions are asked, like: Does time with his kid make him realize how empty this “decadent” lifestyle is? But perhaps it's intentional, and if Coppola’s sole purpose is that a plush gypsy-life existence… from driving through town, swimming in a hotel pool, to playing Rock Star… is more fulfilling with someone you truly love, then this film works exactly as intended.