Audition Blu-ray review

Director: Takashi Miike

Written by: Daisuke Tengan, Ryu Murakami

Starring: Ryo Ishibashi, Eihi Shiina, Tetsu Sawaki, Jun Kunimura

Were I to list some of the most important films of the last 20 years, I’m sure Takashi Miike’s Audition would hover around the top of the list. Landing during an explosion of Japanese talent including the likes of Ringu, Battle Royale, and the films of Takeshi Kitano, people were once again paying attention to Japanese cinema. However, even as part of a new wave of Japanese film and horror in particular, Audition still stuns and shocks due to the fact that it can hardly be considered an out and out horror.

Playing out as more of a romance/drama for the majority of its runtime, we follow a widowed man, Shigeharu Aoyama (Ishibashi), as he sets about hosting a fake film audition with the actual goal of finding a new wife. Encouraged by his son Shigehiko (Sawaki) and his friend and producer Yasuhisa (Kunimura), Shigeharu becomes besotted by the quiet and reserved Asami (Shiina). Bewitched by her beauty, youth, and quietness, Yasuhisa soon becomes suspicious and it is gradually revealed that Asami is not all she appears to be.

The slow burning narrative is almost purposefully boring, making this an exceptionally brave piece of cinema. We struggle through early dates and the procedural investigations of a suspicious Yasuhisa, while Shigeharu is tragically blinded by his feelings. Incorporating dreams and flashbacks also ensures that we are never entirely clear on reality and fantasy, leaving a confused impression on viewers that results in the film meddling with the brain for days after.

The entire core to Audition‘s powerfulness is how Miike beautifully constructs one of the most honest and intelligent commentaries on relationships in the guise of a gory, shock filled horror. There isn’t even a suggestion of horror until the 45 minute mark, while the climactic torture scene that features so prominently in all publicity and artwork, only hits in the final third. Although used sparingly, when the horror does come it is unforgettable and flawless. A mixture of body horror, suggestion and intense psychological hallucinations results in a very unnerving finale.

Ishibashi is a wonderful lead, representing the caring nature of a single father, while also dealing with his lust and passion in a relatable way. We see his interactions with all females as a different story to tell, which culminates in the mass dream sequence towards the end. His fears are his own and it’s almost tragic that they do come to be. Meanwhile, Shiina embodies one of cinemas great villains. A sweet and fragile looking female who descends into pure evil, all the while reminding us how she got that way.

Arrow, as always, supply us with a wealth of interesting and opinionated extras, from delightfully insightful commentaries to interviews with experts. They certainly flesh out one of the most influential horror gems of its time. The transfer is also as spectacular as it could be, with the original cinematography grainy and low-lit purposefully in the first place. It could even be argued that the transfer it too good and takes away some of the visceral impact.

Audition continues to be a dark slice of slow burning, uncomfortable cinema. It reflects deep fears, both irrational and very rational, and combines it into a film that is every bit as powerful and enjoyable as the original novel. It’s rare a film can be both high art and sordid smut, but Audition does it well. But then again, what would we expect from Miike? A man who has given us some of the most bizarre features, as well as high class material such as 13 Assassins. This may very well remain his crowning achievement, and also deserves credit for raising aspirations of the genre.

Audition is released on Blu-ray and DVD on 29th February through Arrow Video.