We’ve all heard of Audition. I’ve heard about it, you’ve heard about it, everyone has heard about it. A massive hit in it’s home country, Audition is for all you gory film lovers out there, and if you’ve haven’t seen it, then you are completely missing out!
Name: Audition
Language: Japanese
Release Date: 1999
Director: Takashi Miike
Writer: Ryu Murakami (novel)
Daisuke Tengan (screenplay)
Actors(s): Eihi Shiina (Asami Yamazaki)
Ryo Ishibashi (Shigeharu Aoyama)
Jun Kunimura (Yasuhisa Yoshikawa
Plot
A disturbing Japanese thriller from novelist Ryu Murakami and bought to life by Takashi Miike. Audition follows Aoyama, a widower who decides to start dating again after a heart to heart with his son. Aided by a film producer friend, Ayoama uses auditions for a fake production to function as a dating service (dick). Aoyama is intrigued by the withdrawn Asami and eventually begins a relationship. However he begins to realize that Asami isn’t as reserved as she appears to be.
This film is a slow burner. There is a lot of filler and plot line before it gets to the really good part. It drags slightly and you may wish there was a bit more action in the middle of the film, but then 15 minutes to the end it starts to get interesting…
…The last 15 minutes. THE LAST 15 MINUTES!! Asami gets her sort-of revenge on our male lead and her reasons are…well…quite solid. I interpreted her actions as to teach him a lesson that actions have consequences. My interpretation might be incorrect though.
The tone is set from the beginning of the film with its dark lighting and cinematography, along with the minimal amount of colour which continues throughout the film. It works well with the plot since Audition has such a dark story line.
I want to take a minute to discuss Asami Yamazaki’s last costume. Out of all the horror costumes I’ve seen, this has to be one of the most iconic (second to Tiffany from Bride of Chucky). I absolutely love her last costume!! From the innocent and pure looking petticoat dress to her completely badass leather apron and gloves, I just love it!! I need to make it my Halloween costume this year!!
All the characters are unlikeable and grotesque (except for the son, obviously). The main male lead is just creepy and horrible, I mean the guy holds auditions for a new wife!! How disgusting and sneaky!! And Asami is just bat shit crazy, though I do secretly love her. I’m not quite sure why but I think she appeals to my inner misandry side, and I think most girls who watch the film will warm towards her, no matter how conflicting it may feel.
Another twisted film from the King of Depravity Takashi Miike. Even though I may not be giving this film an overall positive review with it’s nasty characters and slow beginning I do recommend that you watch. It is a good film, just ever so slightly slow.
