Characters of "Lost in Translation" (06:37)

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Sofia Coppola wanted to capture feeling alone at night in Tokyo. Bill Murray portrays Bob Harris, an actor who comes to Japan to film a commercial and is experiencing a mid-life crisis. Scarlett Johansson's character is recently married and adjusting to being in a foreign city. (Credits)

Chasing Bill Murray (02:50)

Coppola wrote small moments between the two characters and put them in screenplay form later. Mitch Glazer helped Coppola get Murray for the leading role. The crew began shooting in Tokyo even though Murray has not agreed to portray Harris.

Working in Tokyo (02:50)

The cast and crew toast the beginning of production. The film is financed through funds received from overseas in Non-US territories; as a result, Hollywood studios could not influence production. Coppola is the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola.

Short Film Shoot (03:51)

Roman Coppola accompanied Coppola on all her shoots, filming additional scenes. Coppola prefers working with small crews to keep the energy and intimacy at a high rate. Johansson describes how the pacing of production helped her remain in character; cast and crew discuss the guerrilla filming experience.

Location Shooting (04:06)

Japan fell into a recession after several decades of economic growth. Coppola chose the Park Hyatt as the location of the meeting between Murray and Johansson's characters; the hotel declines to permit it.

Murray's Career (04:24)

Cast and crew members share their favorite memories of filming with Murray. After filming "Lost in Translation," the actor opted for more serious characters in movies. See footage of Murray practicing Japanese phrases.

Incorporating Japanese Filmmaking Techniques (02:46)

Japanese crews did not make any alterations after pre-production. On the fourth day of shooting, the location manager quit after the crew ran ten minutes over while filming; the assistant director and production department resigned in solidarity.

Meaning of "Lost in Translation" (05:35)

Diamond Yukai describes how Murray helped him realize that he needed to add lines to his performance. Words and movements possess inner meanings that may be interpreted by the Japanese differently. Coppola explains how a Suntory Whiskey commercial shot by Akira Kurosawa and Francis Ford Coppola inspired the scene.

Connection Between Strangers (03:10)

Johansson describes how Murray's character connected with her and helped her find herself again. Coppola explored two individuals meeting, having a significant moment, and then never seeing each other again.

Karaoke Scene (02:42)

Cast and crew members discuss shooting the scene. Coppola explains that the scene represents the main character's initial connection through art.

Johansson On Set (03:40)

Cast and crew members discuss Johansson's portrayal of "Charlotte." Murray improvises on set with other characters.

Shooting Technique (04:46)

Coppola opts for a handheld camera throughout "Lost in Translation" to achieve greater intimacy. Experts describe how Coppola prepared for each scene with a detailed shot list. In the film, Lance Acord shoots wide frames with characters appearing small.

Worldwide Success (02:28)

"Lost in Translation" won over a hundred awards at film festivals and grossed 30 times its shooting budget. Murray was selected "Best Actor" at the Golden Globes for his portrayal of Bob Harris. Johansson became a major star.

Credits: Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola) (00:48)

Credits: Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola)