I've contributed a few pieces of writing to an upcoming book on Japanese cinema entitled "World Film Locations: Tokyo," which will be published this July. It's the latest volume in a series that examines cities through their portrayal in movies. Here is the press blurb from UK publisher Intellect Books:World Film Locations: Tokyo gives readers a kaleidoscopic view of one of the world’s most complex and exciting cities through the lens of world cinema. 50 scenes from classic and contemporary films explore how motion pictures have shaped the role of Tokyo in our collective consciousness, as well as how these cinematic moments reveal aspects of the life and culture of a city that are often hidden from view. Complimenting these scenes from such varied films as Tokyo Story, You Only Live Twice, Godzilla and Enter the Void are six spotlight essays that take us from the wooden streets of pre-19th century Edo to the sprawling “what-if” megalopolis of science fiction anime. Illustrated throughout with dynamic screen captures World Film Locations: Tokyo is at once a guided tour of Japan’s capital conducted by the likes of Akira Kurosawa, Samuel Fuller, Chris Marker and Sofia Coppola while also being an indispensible record of how Tokyo has fired both the imaginations of individuals working behind the camera and those of us sitting transfixed in movie theatres.
I wrote about the depiction of Tokyo in three films: Hiroki Ryûichi's It's Only Talk, Kurosawa Kiyoshi's Tokyo Sonata and Gaspar Noé's Enter the Void (Hard to pick one review for this beast. Suggestions?). Illustrated with full-colour frame grabs throughout and edited by Toronto J-Film Pow-Wow's Chris Magee "World Film Locations: Tokyo" should be a decent addition to any Japanese film fan's bookshelf.
"World Film Locations: Tokyo" is currently available for pre-order on many book selling sites, including Amazon (US, UK, Japan).
3 comments:
Enter the Void truly captures the life of young western foreigners who don't have typical finance or teaching jobs. The locations added a great deal to the story. From the haphazard look of the apartment to the thump of the night club to the random experiences such as the weird awesomeness of the neon model of Tokyo or the obscenely glittery hostess bar.
Living near Kabukicho, I knew the walk the two characters made from the apartment to the club well. In fact, a buddy and I made the same walk after watching the movie. Brilliant piece of filming.
Admittedly I have not seen "Its only talk" but I have "Tokyo Sonata." While it captures the essence of the characters and the story is well told; the locations themselves did not add to (nor subtract from) them.
Hi. Well, you'll be happy to know that my piece on EtV is indeed on one of those "walks" Oscar takes through the streets of Kabukicho. I drew on an old blog posting on here for it:
http://jasongray.blogspot.com/2009/04/tokyo-loco-locations.html
The only thing that made me laugh out loud authenticity-wise was the shitty old apartment Victor and his parents live in. A white, expat family would never reside in a place like that. At least I've never seen such a thing in 11 years here.
Nonetheless, a brilliant piece of filmmaking.
Oh, and Kurosawa is known for choosing a lot of what would normally be considered "non-locations" -- the corners of Tokyo never shown on film. I chose one industrial location in Tokyo Sonata that reflects the characters' plight well.
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