Audition (2000)
Directed by: Takashi Miike
Premise: A widower (Ryo Ishibashi) begins seeing a mysterious young woman (Eihi Shiina) who he begins to suspect has attachment issues.
What Works: The film is creepy but not from the get go. The film is really about Ishibashi’s character and his fears of intimacy and sexuality. The cinematography is very good and changes throughout the film in ways that reflect the storyline. The film has one of the most visceral climaxes seen in recent horror films and Audition’s willingness to go to these depths and the artistry with which it does so is very impressive
What Doesn’t: For all of its success as cinematic art, the film lacks some narrative coherence in third act and Ishibashi’s anxieties before the violence sets in seem a little contrived.
DVD extras: Commentary, interview with the director, filmography, photo gallery, selection for Bravo’s 100 Scariest Movie Moments.
Bottom Line: Audition is a flawed but interesting film that earns its merit by its shear audacity. It is very intense and not for the faint of heart but those looking for something unusual ought to take a look.
Episode: #74 (November 6, 2005)