Lost in Translation Page #17

Charlotte lies in bed. She picks up a photo next to the bed

as she dials the phone.-

The picture is of her and John on their honeymoon. The phone

answers - it's a weird Japanese recording.

CHARLOTTE:

Um..Hi, John, if this is your phone?

I'm not sure...I'm going to go to

Kyoto for the day...I'11 try you

when I get back. Hope it's going

good... I love you, bye.

INT. TRAIN - DAY

Charlotte watches the Japanese countryside go by out her

window.

EXT. KYOTO - DAY

Charlotte walks through a beautiful garden. She's a small

figure in the landscape.

She approaches a temple where she stops to watch a wedding

procession. A young bride and groom in traditional kimono

walk under a parasol with their family.

Charlotte looks as- the nervous, young bride clutches her

mother's hand. The young groom walks along with them.

Charlotte is moved by the whole scene, the beauty of the

temple and the wedding party. Her eyes well up.

CUT TO:

She walks up a narrow path, surrounded by red maple leaves.

At the top of a little hill, she comes up to a shrine.

At its entrance she sees a tree covered in little white pieces

of paper tied to its branches. She sees Japanese people

writing on the paper and tying them to the tree. Charlotte

writes her wish on a paper and ties it to a branch.

CUT TO:

INT. T.V. STUDIO - DAY

Exciting music plays as the talk/game show starts.

Bob, in an elegant suit, goes out to meet the HOST.

TV HOST:

(in Japanese)

We hear you're quite a golfer.

A TRANSLATOR translates.

BOB:

(nodding)

I enjoy the sport.

The Translator translates - four sentences longer and with

added enthusiasm.

After a few questions the Host excitedly announces something

to the AUDIENCE in Japanese. They scream, the lights flash,

Bob has no idea what's going on.

A cloud of smoke reveals the IRON CHEF, with feathered hair,

wearing an 18th century waistcoat. A large red chef hat is

placed on Bob's head.

TRANSLATOR:

They now have the competition for

you with the Iron Chef.

Bob looks around as a counter is pulled up to him and now

Bob and the Iron Chef are at dueling counters. The Host barks

instructions in Japanese, an apron with a stuffed animal

lobster on it is tied around Bob, the crowd cheers - there's

no way out.

CUT TO:

INT. CAR - NIGHT

Bob rides in the back of the presidential, looking out the

window at the city.

He pulls a polaroid out of his pocket and looks at it. It's

Charlotte, peering over her shoulder with a little smile,

from their sake-drenched night at Nobu's compound.

INT. PARK HYATT BAR - NIGHT

Melodramatic '70s Japanese music plays. Bob sits alone, hating

himself, at the bar. The redheaded Jazz Singer takes a break,

and a seat next to him.

CUT TO:

INT. BOB'S ROOM - MORNING

In the harsh-morning light, Bob wakes up in his bed.

He hears the Jazz Singer singing in the shower "Midnight at

the Oasis".

Her red mane of hair passes frame as she ushers in room

service. She seems to have taken over the whole room. He

wants it all to go away. She walks off to the bathroom and

there's a knock at the door. Bob rushes to get it before she

can.

He opens the door a crack, Charlotte looking sweet, is

standing there. Her hair is back in a pony-tail. Bob's just

wearing a towel around his waist, and his hair is sticking

up.

CHARLOTTE:

Rough night?

He's not in the mood, he looks at her like he already hates

himself, doesn't need more help.

CHARLOTTE:

I'm going to Daikanyama, do you want

to come walk around?

BOB:

Yes, but no, I can't right now.

The singer starts singing again in the background.

Charlotte gives Bob a look.

CHARLOTTE:

Oh, I guess you're busy, huh.

BOB:

I don't want to be.

He watches Charlotte walk away down the beige hall.

CUT TO:

EXT. TOKYO STREETS - DAY

Bob is walking down the crowded street looking for Charlotte,

when his cell phone rings.

BOB:

Hello?

LYDIA (O.S.)

Hello, Bob, it's me.

BOB:

(can't hear)

Hello?

LYDIA (O.S.)

It's Lydia, your wife.

BOB:

I couldn't hear you. How are you?

LYDIA:

(sighs)

Fine. Is it going ok?

BOB:

It's ok.

LYDIA (O.S.)

Do you want to-

(garbled)

BOB:

What?

LYDIA (O.S.)

Do you want to talk to Zoe?

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