Lost in Translation
Short description
Lost in Translation follows two Americans adrift in Tokyo. Bob Harris is a middle-aged movie star who has come to Japan to shoot a whisky commercial, a job he takes for the money while his marriage and career weigh on him. Charlotte is a young woman who has tagged along with her husband, a photographer whose work keeps him occupied and away from her. Unable to sleep because of the time difference, both end up at the bar of the luxury hotel where they are staying, and a chance meeting there grows into an unexpected friendship. Together they wander through the city, meet its residents and gradually arrive at a different view of their own lives.
Sofia Coppola wrote and directed the film, which followed The Virgin Suicides in her filmography and was produced in part by her father, Francis Ford Coppola, alongside Ross Katz. Bill Murray plays Bob and Scarlett Johansson plays Charlotte, with Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris, Akiko Takeshita and Kazuyoshi Minamimagoe among a credited cast of fifty-three. Made for about four million dollars, it grossed roughly 120 million worldwide, a strong return on its budget. On IMDb it holds 7.7/10 from more than half a million votes, while on TMDB it stands at 7.4/10 from over eight thousand. A critics' rating of 8.8/10 from 234 reviews places it above both audience scores.
What's left behind the scenes
- Bob Harris, played by Bill Murray, advertises Hibiki whiskey, a product of the Japanese company Suntory. “Hibiki” can be translated from Japanese as “resonance,” “echo,” or “reverberation.” This brand has won numerous awards, including the title of World's Best Blended Whiskey.
- The dish that Bob Harris complains about at the restaurant where you have to cook your own food is called shabu shabu. It’s thinly sliced raw meat that is dipped into boiling water with various vegetables.
- The idea of Bill Murray advertising Japanese whisky Suntory in the film was inspired by the fact that Sofia Coppola's father, Francis Ford Coppola, actually filmed Suntory commercials with Akira Kurosawa in the 1970s.
- Bob Harris's cell phone ringtone is Impromptu No. 4 Op. 66 in C-sharp minor (Fantaisie-Impromptu) by Frédéric Chopin.
- Scarlett Johansson was 17 years old during filming, although her character had just finished college, meaning she should have been at least 22.
- Bob Harris, played by Bill Murray, is driven in a Toyota Century. This is a luxury limousine produced in limited quantities, used by members of royal families, high-ranking government officials, and millionaires. Japanese embassies abroad are also equipped with these cars.
- Sofia Coppola drew heavily from her own life for the film. The character of John (played by Giovanni Ribisi) was loosely based on her husband, Spike Jonze.
- The kiss between Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray at the end of the film was not scripted – it was a mutual improvisation.
- Fumihiko Hayashi (playing Charlie), who sings “God, save the Queen” at karaoke, is a long-time friend of Sofia Coppola and a guide to Japan.
- Filming took place in Tokyo from September 30, 2002 to January 2003.
- Bob Harris was asked to pose like Roger Moore for a photoshoot, but he said he preferred Sean Connery. In reality, Sean Connery starred in Suntory whiskey commercials.
- The paintings in Charlotte’s hotel room are by John Kacere, a photorealist specializing in photographing women in lingerie. Scarlett Johansson’s shot was filmed under the influence of his work.
- Giovanni Ribisi’s character misuses the Japanese expression “Moshi moshi.” It is indeed a greeting, but it is only used when answering the phone.
- The Tokyo bar shown throughout the film is actually located on the 52nd floor of the Shinjuku Park Tower skyscraper in Tokyo.
- Sofia Coppola wrote the lead role specifically for Bill Murray.
Auditions in India
Casting calls in USA
Castingi w Polsce
Кастинги в Україні
