Review of Takeshis' (2005) by Beth B — 27 Jul 2007

There's a lot going on in Takeshi Kitano's new film. We're initially introduced to a famous movie star, Beat Takeshi, and then to his look-a-like, a nobody store assistant and wannabe film extra named Takeshi Kitano.

When the latter is mistaken for Beat Takeshi, his life gradually begins to descend into a world of gangsters and guns, while the film itself becomes ever more disjointed and reminiscent of the Nouvelle Vague at its most baffling.

At one point, we cut to a giant caterpillar suspended by elastic on a clifftop. Still, there does seem to be meaning to the madness. It actually feels like Kitano the director (who, logically, plays both lead roles) is critiquing or at least gently ribbing his own ultra-violent films and the persona he's created for himself.

Finally, however, this extraordinary film is perhaps best read as a hommage to the kind of fantasy worlds that Kitano is so very skilful and successful in creating.