Review of Audition (2000) by Jarrett M — 29 Feb 2012
Audition brings to mind the saying: "If you drop a frog into boiling water, it will just hop back out. But, if you place it in cool water and then slowly heat it up, the frog will just sit there and boil to death.
" That pretty much what this film does. It places the viewer, along with the protagonist, Aoyama, in a lukewarm situation and slowly ratchets up the tension and danger. By the time it becomes apparent just how bad things have become, it is too late.
The story here is actually quite simple and seems innocent enough from the start, but delves into considerably darker territory by the time the credits roll. While the pacing is quite slow, I found it to be very effective for this film.
The performances very good, especially that of Eihi Shiina as Asami. Over the course of the film she manages to go from a sweet, innocent and very demure woman to an obsessive and truly terrifying woman, without going over the top or playing Asami as a caricature.
Of all of Takashi Miike's films that I've seen, this is one of his best, and probably one one of his most accesible to those unfamiliar with his work, with the possible exception of One Missed Call.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys 'slow burn' horror, or for those looking for a good entry film to Miike's world. It may, however, cause some trust issues with women. Especially if said women have a thing for wire.
And accupuncture.
This review of Audition (2000) was written by Jarrett M on 29 Feb 2012.
Audition has generally received positive reviews.
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