Review of Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) by Patrick D — 31 Jan 2008
No, contrary to popular movie-belief, this is not about a homocidal Japanese gay on the prowl. Then you haven't seen the movie, I guess.
What it IS, is a story of words beyond images. That is why so many fragments of the film are in fact merely written words brought as theatre.
I agree a lot of people can get confused by the 'plot' or the meaning of it all, but they are not the main people I think the makers were trying to reach.
You have to be aware of the existence and works of Mishima, the author, to be truly aware of this movie and that, I believe is the story Paul Shrader is trying to tell us. I think Philip Glass only tried to underscore that fact with his fabulous soundtrack to this film.
But one star is lacking on my rating: it's not for everyone...
Though be it a consolation: the writing is gorgeously beautiful.
Perhaps THAT is why he did what he did.
This review of Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) was written by Patrick D on 31 Jan 2008.
Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters has generally received very positive reviews.
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