Coppola Clarifies Faris’s Character Origins
Lost in Translation, the poignant film about two souls connecting in the vast city of Tokyo, still resonates two decades after its release. However, speculation has surrounded one character in particular. Sofia Coppola, the acclaimed writer-director of the film, recently addressed the long-standing rumors that Anna Faris’s character, Kelly, was inspired by Cameron Diaz.
In a candid interview with Rolling Stone marking the film’s 20th anniversary, Coppola shed light on this speculation. “No. It really wasn’t based on her,” she emphasized. “It was a combination of a bunch of people. It was a type, so it wasn’t a diss on her. Someone else was more the personality of [Faris’s character].”
The Film’s Semi-Autobiographical Touch
The narrative of Lost in Translation beautifully intertwines the emotions of Charlotte, portrayed by Scarlett Johannson, and Bob, brought to life by Bill Murray. They form a unique bond as both grapple with feelings of loneliness and uncertainty about the future.
The character of Charlotte’s husband John, depicted by Giovanni Ribisi, was always a subject of conjecture. Many believed he was influenced by Coppola’s relationship with her then-husband, writer-director Spike Jonze. “There are elements of Spike there, elements of experiences,” Coppola revealed.
This assumption intensified because of Diaz’s collaboration with Jonze in the 1999 film Being John Malkovich. Fans started theorizing that Kelly was an onscreen representation of Diaz, which now, Coppola confirms, was far from the truth.
The Johansson-Jonze Connection
It’s intriguing how Scarlett Johansson emerges as a common thread between Coppola and Jonze. After a decade from Lost in Translation’s release, Jonze introduced Her, starring Johansson. This film, hailed by Rolling Stone as a “not-so-subtle response” to Coppola’s work, was another deep dive into human emotions.
However, Coppola candidly confessed she hasn’t watched Her. “I never saw it!” she said, “From the trailer, it looks the same too. We have the same production designer. But I haven’t seen it. I know people really like that movie, but I haven’t seen it.”
With a hint of humor, she added, “I don’t know if I want to see Rooney Mara as me.”
Coppola’s Journey Beyond The Film
After her marriage with Jonze ended in 2003, Sofia Coppola has ventured on both professionally and personally. Her latest cinematic offering, Priscilla, is set to hit the theaters in October. On the personal front, she’s now married to Thomas Mars, the frontman of the band Phoenix. The couple shares a daughter, Romy, who is 16.
With every project and phase, Coppola continues to intrigue and inspire. Whether it’s through the lens of Lost in Translation or the tales behind its making, her journey remains compelling for fans and critics alike.
Source: People
