Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters

Wednesday 26 May at 7.30pm

Paul Schrader│USA│1985│121 mins│M adult themes

This stylish and sophisticated film interweaves episodes from the life of controversial Japanese writer Yukio Mishima (1925-1970) with dramatisations of segments from his books, and features a stunning, eerie score by Philip Glass.

“Paul Schrader’s visually stunning, collagelike portrait of the acclaimed Japanese author and playwright Yukio Mishima (played by Ken Ogata) investigates the inner turmoil and contradictions of a man who attempted the impossible task of finding harmony among self, art, and society. Taking place on the last day of Mishima’s life, when he famously committed public seppuku, the film is punctuated by extended flashbacks to the writer’s past as well as gloriously stylized evocations of his fictional works. With its rich cinematography by John Bailey, exquisite sets and costumes by Eiko Ishioka, and unforgettable, highly influential score by Philip Glass, Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters is a tribute to its subject and a bold, investigative work of art in its own right.” – Criterion.com