poster

Audition
Director: Takashi Miike
Year: 2000
TRT: 1:53

Reviewed: 8/3/2024
VIDEO REVIEW

In the range of Takashi Miike films, on a scale of 1 to 10 of fuckupedness, how fucked up is this movie? Hard to tell, I haven’t seen em all, but I’d say maybe a 7? 8? Ichi the Killer still takes the cake I think, but haven’t watched that one in awhile. Kinda plan on keeping it that way after watching this one again. Horrific is fine when you throw in the fantastic or other strange elements. This is basically a boring drama for the majority of the film, with a kick-to-the-head late third act. It’s a difficult watch on multiple levels. Let’s dive in, shall we?!

A widower and his son are living a pretty sparse but comfortable life 7 years after the mother’s death. Son encourages Dad to get married again. Dad mentions this to his buddy, who’s in the movie business. Buddy suggests getting him involved on an audition, see if he finds any of the girls as a potential new wife. While hesitant over the kinda skeezy premise, Dad goes along with it and finds someone he thinks is his perfect new partner. His buddy’s Spidey senses don’t agree with the choice. But decisions are made, and things play out. Slowly. Dramatically. Then darkly. And bloodily.

The theme of loneliness almost drips off the screen here. And given the Japanese culture, it seems a bit multiplied. It’s not a quick-paced film, so the drama just kinda does it’s thing. Some foreboding is introduced finally, and it starts going a bit off. It’s a slow train to the final destination, but it’s a doozy upon arrival. Needles to say, it’s not a match made in heaven. Not recommended for the faint of heart or squeamish. It’s a well told story, don’t get me wrong. Looks fantastic. But it’s a Miike film, and when it goes off the rails, it really goes off the rails.


Great Scene: Nice kinda-montage of the full spectrum of auditions and the different types it draws.

Great Quote: “Happy people can’t act well.” -The buddy


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