Lost in Translation is a 2003 romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Sofia Coppola (pictured). Bill Murray stars as Bob Harris, a fading American movie star who travels to Tokyo and befriends Charlotte, played by Scarlett Johansson. The film explores themes of alienation and disconnection against a backdrop of cultural displacement in Japan. Coppola started writing the film after spending time in Tokyo and becoming fond of the city. She kept a flexible schedule during filming and allowed a significant amount of improvisation. Lost in Translation premiered on August 29, 2003, at the Telluride Film Festival and had a theatrical release on September 12, 2003. Critics praised the performances of Murray and Johansson, as well as the writing and direction of Coppola; minor criticism was given to the film's depiction of Japan. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay as well as three Golden Globe Awards and three British Academy Film Awards. (Full article...)