Sofia Coppola’s knock-out 2003 comedy/drama film “Lost in Translation” (which won the Oscar for best original screenplay) sky-rocketed Scarlett Johansson’s career into what we know and love today. The film, also starring Bill Murray as an aging actor hiding from his life, was well-received by both audiences and critics, winning several awards. Johansson’s performance in particular was praised, and she has often spoken about how much she appreciated the opportunity to take on such a nuanced role at a young age.
During casting, Coppola was a bit unsure about hiring Johansson, considering she was only 17 at the time. Ultimately, she decided that Johansson could pull off being in her early twenties, a choice that most fans of the film would agree is for the better. I couldn’t imagine anyone else in the role, not even Coppola’s muse Kirsten Dunst.
Overall, Scarlett Johansson has expressed a positive view of her experience filming “Lost in Translation.” She has acknowledged that it was a turning point in her career, bringing her critical acclaim and leading to more mature and diverse roles. Coppola’s film allowed her to showcase her acting skills at a young age, which she has remained grateful for.
In various interviews, Johansson has spoken about her co-star Bill Murray, who plays Bob Harris, with respect and fondness, describing him as full of surprises, which kept the filming experience interesting. Working with Bill Murray, she has said, was an exciting and somewhat unpredictable experience, given Murray’s unique approach to acting. Murray is known for his improvisational skills, which kept Johansson on her toes and made the acting experience interesting and dynamic. This kind of dynamic can lead to a more organic and authentic performance, which was reflected in the on-screen chemistry between their characters. Murray, on the other hand, has praised Johansson for her maturity and talent at such a young age during the filming of “Lost in Translation.”
The film itself captures a complicated and slightly controversial relationship between their characters, Bob and Charlotte. The two act as anchors for each other while they feel lost abroad. Charlotte feels a bit abandoned by her husband, John (played by Giovanni Ribisi) and his relationship with Kelly (Anna Faris), and begins to rely on her surprising friendship with Bob for connection. They get incredibly close in the short amount of time they spend together, and part with a kiss accompanied by “Just Like Honey” by The Jesus and Mary Chain (just one song included in the outstanding soundtrack), despite both being married.
“Lost in Translation” was a unique filming experience for Johansson in several ways. The movie was filmed in Tokyo, a city that was unfamiliar to her, which she said contributed to her portrayal of Charlotte, a young woman feeling adrift and isolated. The crowded, bustling, yet foreign backdrop of Tokyo was instrumental in creating the emotional dislocation and loneliness that’s central to the movie’s narrative.
Sofia Coppola’s directing style was also a significant part of Johansson’s experience. She has spoken about how director Sofia Coppola created a nurturing and intimate atmosphere on set, which helped her dive into the complexity of her character. Coppola has been praised for her ability to bring forth delicate, nuanced performances from her actors, and Johansson’s performance in “Lost in Translation” is often cited as a prime example of this.
However, Scarlett Johansson has spoken out about feeling sexualized during her early career in several interviews. After her breakout role in “Lost in Translation”, she quickly gained recognition and began receiving roles that often focused on her physical appearance rather than her acting ability.
She has noted that the media often focused on her looks, perpetuating a hypersexualized image of her. Johansson found this disappointing and frustrating, as it sometimes overshadowed her talent and hard work. It’s important to note that this issue isn’t unique to Johansson, as many young actresses have been subjected to this kind of hypersexualization and objectification.
Johansson’s outspoken comments about her treatment highlight an ongoing conversation in Hollywood and other entertainment industries about the importance of protecting young actors and actresses from being sexualized, and the necessity for them to be recognized for their skills and performances rather than their physical appearance. Johansson has continued to address these issues publicly and has used her platform to speak out against the sexualization and objectification of women in Hollywood.