Audition

On the 30th of July in 2009: I watched Takashi Miike's Audition (1999) for the first time. Even though I was somewhat aware of the film's reputation, it took me by surprise and made me flinch more than anything I had seen during the year. Initially it decreased my interest in Miike, but gradually I began to watch a few other films he had directed.

Today: I rewatched Audition - and this time I was ready for it.

Audition is the story of a widow who begins to search for a new, young wife by holding an audition. The one he falls in love with seems to be something completely different to what he initially expected. Even though Miike himself denies it, the film is focused on the social commentary. He attacks the values of modern Japanese men: the main character resorts to holding a fake audition in order to find a woman who matches his high (and exact) standards. Naturally, it is exaggerated, but it is a brilliant observation on what a lot of Japanese men have become.

The film's structure works like a proper horror film with a long build-up that explodes in a fantastic way. At the same time it manages to be satirical successfully: it's almost impossible to separate the suspense and the humor. The final third of the film is something one will not see coming even when you are aware of the film's reputation. It is such a provocative and brilliant way to explore the characters' psyches - and it manages to leave an unforgettable impression on the viewer. The only problem I have with the content is how it plays around with reality and illusion. Sometimes it works - and sometimes it does not. Although that made possible to create the film's best sequence - a dream-like (and even postmodern) exploration of the characters.

The film's form is fascinating as well. During the first half of the film, it manages to be distant while keeping the emotionally invested in the characters. The slight alienation is only for the better because in the final third, the form becomes so intimate and brutally honest that it has a huge effect on the viewer. The first half of the film is almost very foreboding when you look at the cinematography - especially the lighting.

In overall, Audition is a great film that could have become a masterpiece, but doesn't barely reach that status.

Score: 9 out of 10