Review of Audition (2000) by Eddie E — 14 Apr 2009

From the way the movie begins to the way it ends, this is the epitome of "reality gone wrong." I love the way the story is told; the first half is very realistic and portrays what a man goes through as he falls in love - the self narration that goes through his mind, the doubt given from his friends and colleagues, the slight indications that "maybe something this good doesn't come around so easily" and the fact that nothing is what it seems.

The "clues" hidden all over the script easily missed by the casual viewer (foreshadows, surreal locations, seemingly irrelevant sounds and sights) are certainly appreciated by movie lovers. The actors and actresses did an incredible job convincing the audience of their characters and their respective roles.

Bonus points to all the enigmatic thoughts running through Aoyama's mind as he's trying to figure out what he's about to get himself into such as random flashes of sexual imagery and involvement with his deceased wife, housekeeper, assistant at work and even his son's girlfriend.

I loved the movie for it's seamlessly linear escalation, and, in my opinion, what makes Audition one of the most realistically possible portrayals of the perils of love and not taking the time to get to know someone properly.