Lost in Translation

Coppola's desire to shoot in Tokyo, specifically at the Park Hyatt hotel, is what brought the film to life. The film was a challenge to make, with a low budget and a time frame of 27 days. Coppola wanted to make a film that was a romantic love story without being nerdy. The film was shot with a small crew, working without permits. Scenes were filmed impromptu on the street, while the hotel itself permitted them to use the corridors between two and three in the morning as not to disturb guests.The iconic wide shot of the umbrella-carrying crowds at Shihbuya Crossing was stolen on a trip to Starbucks. Discussing this iconic scene Coppola says “We went up there, got a coffee, and grabbed a shot looking down. It was very on-the-fly. We snuck around and played dumb tourists.”

The film starred Bill Murray as a melancholy actor on a business trip and Scarlett Johansson as a college graduate in a new country struggling with loneliness. Johansson was the first to sign onto the project as the fresh-faced 17 year-old Hollywood newbie. It took several attempts before Coppola was able to secure Bill Murray for the role of Bob Harris.Coppola said that the film “lived or died” on the comedian agreeing to play the role. Coppola had Murray in mind for the role of Bob Harris while she was writing the screenplay. Coppola went to Tokyo and started filming without Murray officially signing on yet, hoping that he would show up. He finally agreed to sign onto the film after getting the script from a writing partner of his who also happened to be one of Coppola's friends. Coppola describes Lost in Translation as a “self-indulgent, personal project” that wouldn't resonate so the fact movie fans still come up to her and shower the film in praise in 2018 continues to surprise the director.

Plot

Bob Harris, an aging American movie star, arrives in Tokyo to film an advertisement for Suntory whiskey. Charlotte, a young college graduate, sits bored in her hotel room while her husband, John, a celebrity photographer is on assignment in Tokyo. Charlotte is unsure of her future with John, feeling detached from his lifestyle and disillusioned about their relationship. Bob's 25-year marriage is also strained as he goes through a midlife crisis. Each day, Bob and Charlotte encounter each other in the hotel and after both experience insomnia, they sit and chat at the hotel bar one night. Eventually, Charlotte invites Bob to meet with some local friends of hers. The two bond through a fun night in Tokyo with Charlotte's friends, experiencing Japanese nightlife and culture. In the days that follow, Bob and Charlotte's friendship develops as they spend more time together. One night, each unable to sleep, the two share an intimate conversation about Charlotte's personal troubles and Bob's married life.

On the penultimate night of his stay, Bob sleeps with the hotel bar's female jazz singer. The next morning Charlotte arrives at his room to invite him for lunch and overhears the woman in his room, leading to an argument over lunch. Later that night, outside the hotel during a fire alarm, Bob and Charlotte reconcile and express how they will miss each other as they make a final visit to the hotel bar.The following morning, Bob is set to return to the United States. He tells Charlotte goodbye at the hotel lobby and sadly watches her walk back to the elevator. In a taxi to the airport, Bob sees Charlotte on a crowded street, leaves the car and walks to her. He embraces the tearful Charlotte and whispers something in her ear. The two share a brief kiss, say goodbye and Bob departs.