Scarlett Johansson explains why it was “hard” working with Bill Murray

 

Scarlett Johansson explains why it was “hard” working with Bill Murray

Scarlett Johansson explains why it was “hard” working with Bill Murray

After the release of The Virgin Suicides in 1999, Sofia Coppola embarked on her second project, Lost in Translation, which garnered her an Academy Award for 'Best Original Screenplay'. Starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, the film portrays an unlikely pair who cross paths in Japan. Both characters grapple with their own personal battles of isolation – Murray as Bob, an aging and struggling actor, and Johansson as the young wife of a photographer.

As the story unfolds, the duo discovers that they share more similarities than initially apparent, finding solace in their shared uncertainty about their lives and future aspirations. Despite their disparities in age, gender, and careers, Bob and Charlotte offer each other invaluable understanding and companionship. The sprawling city, adorned with vibrant advertisements and teeming with people, serves as a fitting backdrop for Coppola's exploration of loneliness, often capturing Charlotte in solitary moments, gazing out of a window onto the bustling masses below.

Scarlett Johansson explains why it was “hard” work

Scarlett Johansson's role in Lost in Translation was one of her first adult roles after being a child actor in the 1990s. The movie was written by Sofia Coppola with Johansson and Bill Murray in mind, and was inspired by Coppola's divorce from director Spike Jonze. The film helped Johansson gain more recognition for her ability to handle complex roles, despite being only 17 at the time. However, Johansson admitted to Howard Stern that working on the film with Murray was difficult due to the unusual circumstances and the short amount of time they had to shoot it.

Rewritten: After starting her career as a child actor in the 1990s, Scarlett Johansson's performance in Lost in Translation marked one of her initial forays into adult roles. The movie was penned by Sofia Coppola with Johansson and Bill Murray in mind, drawing inspiration from Coppola's separation from director Spike Jonze. The film propelled Johansson to greater acclaim, showcasing her aptitude for tackling emotionally intricate characters, despite her young age of 17. Nevertheless, Johansson confessed to Howard Stern that collaborating with Murray on the film was challenging due to the peculiar setting and the limited 27-day shooting schedule.

Scarlett Johansson explains why it was “hard” working with Bill Murray

Lost in Translation marked one of Johansson's initial ventures into adult roles, following a career as a child actor in the 1990s. Coppola collaborated with Johansson and Murray in mind while writing the film, drawing inspiration from the dissolution of her marriage to director Spike Jonze. The movie propelled Johansson to further acclaim, showcasing her ability to excel in emotionally intricate roles. Despite being only 17, the actor demonstrated a mastery of her craft from the very beginning, displaying talent far beyond her years.

Scarlett Johansson explains why it was “hard” working with Bill Murray

However, during an interview with Howard Stern, Johansson revealed that shooting Lost in Translation and working with a respected star like Murray was challenging. Although she was thrilled to work with Murray, she explained that the circumstances were unusual, stating, "We made that film in an incredibly short period of time, like 27 days."

She further expressed, "It was a difficult shoot for me. I felt somewhat disconnected. I was only 17 years old when I made that movie."

Scarlett Johansson explains why it was “hard” working with Bill Murray

When discussing Murray's presence on set, she described him as a comedian with quirks, experiencing both highs and lows. He possessed a great deal of energy and was always in character. On the other hand, Johansson, being introspective, found it challenging to connect with him as a 17-year-old.

When asked if she felt intimidated by Murray, Johansson replied, "Yes, it was difficult for me. That's what made it isolating – everyone was so deferential."

Scarlett Johansson explains why it was “hard” working with Bill Murray

However, she emphasized that she remained relaxed during filming, despite being in a different mindset than Murray. Although they struggled to relate to one another, she believes they worked exceptionally well together once the cameras started rolling.