Stepping to the “Beat”

Japanese cinema has seen many genres and traditions pass before its eyes. Takeshi Kitano (better known as “Beat” Takeshi) has been a rejuvenating force for gangster films and yet is also well known to American audiences as one of the announcers for Most Extreme Elimination Challenge (entitled Takeshi’s Castle in Japan). Normally, I would start a review of one of his films by saying something about violence or camera work. But since he has publicly stated that he will no longer make violent gangster films, I have to start my review with this: I have no idea what in the hell I just watched! Actually, Glory to the Filmmaker! (Kantoku – Banzai!) follows in the great tradition of Fellni’s 8 1/2 and Godard’s Contempt, presenting a film about a director making a film. Or at least Kitano is trying to follow in that tradition.

Glory to the Filmmaker!, released in 2007, is a bit of a surreal ride through two films. One film, as announced by the voice over, is essentially a combination of failed attempts at making Kitano’s next movie. What should it be since he has publically proclaimed that he will no longer make violent gangster films? We are presented with various short films, or starts, that highlight a popular genre in Japan. No one is safe, not even Yasujiro Ozu. These short pieces are hilarious, especially with Kitano’s dead pan acting style. Oh, did I forget to mention that “Beat” Takeshi is also the main actor as well as director. So far the film sounds a bit like a simple parody; however once you realize that a large tin version of Kitano acts as a stand in for him, things change a bit.

The film eventually moves to a more classical film of science fiction and comedy. Just your typical girls eating lunch and putting cockroach in the food to get it for free film. You know, the someone else has the same idea and then the owners of the restaurant come out and they all start to have a wrestling match including one of the masked customers type of film. Thus the second part of the film begins. We are given the story of a mother and daughter who are having money problems until they spot the handsome Kitano, dressed in a school boy uniform. They leave him a note to meet with them at the Arc de Triomphe cafe, but Kitano goes to France. That’s surrealism for ya. There are many weird happenings throughout the film, each either making you laugh or cringe. The comedy does drag a bit in the second half of the film but culminates in a unique and worthwhile ending. Did I mention the tin doll that serves as Kitano’s double for risky psychical and emotional scenes?

Ultimatly the film is a nice change of pace for both it’s comedic and surrealist tendencaies. Although not quite matching a Fellini or Godard, Kitano has successfully become a director to watch. I enjoyed the first half of the film immensely, in fact I would have liked even more parody. But that does have to stop, and we are given a true film. Kitano is a fun director that really just wants to be fresh and surprise his audiences. I am particularly fond of his dark comedy and dead pan acting style. Should you watch this film? Well yes, because it’s about time I start my anti-Hollywood Oscar rants. Watch it if you can find it!