Review of Visitor Q (2001) by Alester C — 25 Aug 2009
Miike's best film since Gozu. Totally perverse diatribe about the family and reality TV/ modern journalism. For a film with subject matter that should be dark the tone is remarkably upbeat and has gentle humorand charm (Q's use of brick, bin bag, fireworks), it is also well lit and full of strong colour, adding to the sense of perversity.
Bataille noted the eroticsm offered by the transgression of taboos, and Miike revels in doing this while making the erotic potential unfounded and even humourous, this being the stroke of genius of the film. Being all shot on DV adds to the sense of realism that reminds me of reality TV, a (more likely budgetary)move that makes the shocking scenes perversely both more(through the lack of obvious/overt stylistics) and less shocking(elements seem everyday). The soundtrack carries over this perversity by contrasting sinister white noise with traditional shamisen solos.
Incredible performances by the cast too.
A joyful play with conventions.
This review of Visitor Q (2001) was written by Alester C on 25 Aug 2009.
Visitor Q has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
