Review of Vital (2004) by Wut S — 03 Nov 2008

Remarkably deep and dark. A psychological retrospect obsessive with antithesis--even in its own structure.

Rarely a film hybridizing such desolate subjects (amnesia, necrophilia, autopsy, death) could depict refined emotions, complex human relations,...(read more) and moreover impersonating philosophical optimism. While not technically virtuosic as Tsukamoto's previous landmarks, Vital accomplishes by advertize the director's ability to present a more conventional, non-industrial approach to his filmic arsenal. The usual perception of Tsukamoto is that of a director who emphasizes symbolisms through the counter-narratives; however, Vital does not shy away from continuity. Think of it like Memento or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind--it's not linear with temporal shifts, but the discontinuities suture into one comprehensive whole.

The film proves that not only Tsukamoto could craft his films with experimental ballsiness, he could also deliver in a straightforward fashion as well.

Often Tsukamoto utilizes machinery and social psychology to illustrate the structure of human emotions and behaviors; however, for Vital, Tsukamoto adopts sentimentalism, inner growth, and wisdom, though he made sure Vital's not too conventional by opting a unique combination of morbid concepts.