Watch the trailer: http://videodetective.com/TitleDetails.aspx?publishedid=00905130
We stayed in this weekend to shake off our colds. There's plenty of unopened DVDs to watch so we decided on this Criterion edition of a movie from 1985 we saw when first released on VHS countless years ago. The pan & scanned tape was still stunning with its rich color scheme but seeing it in its original widescreen format and in surround sound is glorious. The bonus extras makes this one of the best Criterion Collection sets worth every penny and more. Watching the film, rewatching it with the director's commentary, and going through the second disc of extras took us about seven hours but was worth it. If you really want to learn about movies, that's the way to do it.
Director Paul Schrader biography of the prolific Japanese writer Yukio Mishima (pictured above) had a tortuous production and aftermath fully documented here. We own many of Mishima's novels and essays so we wanted to see this film. Here's a link about his complex life and ritualistic death in 1970 you should read to understand the film.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukio_Mishima
Mishima was also a playwright, actor, singer, and swordsman who was involved in politics, lead his own private army, and had as many fans was well as detractors. He spoke English and French and was a media darling who loved his own publicity. Although married with children, he was attracted to men and his wife condoned his activities as long as he didn't bring them home. The violent nature of his death repelled the nation and he's considered persona non grata to this day in Japan. The documentaries and audio commentary included in this set detail his rise and fall.
Japanese opposition fought Schrader's attempt to make this film. Financing wasn't easy, many film people declined to particpate, actual locations were denied, and Mishima's widow wouldn't approve the controversial aspects of his life as well as the openly gay novels Schrader wanted to use in the film. A script was finally approved but she later withdrew her support and to this day the film was never shown in Japan. Now that's truly incredulous as after all these years Mishima is still a hotcake although his novels still sell there.
This biography interpolates specific color-coordinated sections of his works into the biographical scenes shot in black & white. You might call this approach artsy-fartsy but it works well here and Philip Glass's rich music score is another plus. I still own the cassette of the score. In April we're seeing Glass perform his chamber music so more on him later.
Schrader has made his share of controversial movies such as Taxi Driver, American Gigolo, Cat People and others not so well known. Each of his films is a challenge to audiences but that's what makes him a craftsman. There's always a balancing act between art design, music, and photography that pulls you into their plots. I wouldn't recommend this movie to the average viewer as it requires several serious viewings to appreciate its design or unless you're a Mishima fan. For those adventurous movie buffs and those who want to learn about Mishima, this edition is a good starting point: http://www.criterion.com/films/588
No comments:
Post a Comment