Audition (1999)

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Halloween Reviews 2020

Director: Takashi Miike

Writer: Daisuke Tengan, based on the novel by Ryu Murakami

Stars: Ryo Ishibashi, Eihi Shiina, Testu Sawaki, Jun Kunimura, Renji Ishibashi, Miyuki Matsuda, Toshie Negishi, Ren Osugi

After the death of his wife, producer Shigeharu Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi) has thrown himself into developing his career and raising his son, Shigehiko (Tetsu Sawaki). 

When his son suggests that he remarry, Aoyama decides that it may finally be time to end his loneliness. 

A friend (Jun Kunimura) suggests that they arrange a fake audition so that he can meet prospective fiancées. 

He is captivated by Asami Yamazaki (Eihi Shiina), whose philosophical thoughts on living with loss mirror Aoyama's own feelings after the death of his wife (Miyuki Matsuda). 

He pursues a relationship with her with results that will shock all but the most desensitized viewer. 

This is a powerful meditation on how loneliness and abuse can warp a human personality. 

As repulsive and horrific as Asami ultimately proves to be, it seems clear that director Takashi Miike feels sympathy for her and, in a weird way, I did, too. 

Be warned: the last act of this film will test your tolerance for non-linear narratives.

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