The film charts the journey of film-producer Aoyama (Ryô Ishibashi) following the death of his wife and the suggestion made by his son, seven years later, that he find a new wife. The meticulous framing of the film's opening hour provide the perfect foil for the rapid shifts in cinematic style that ambush any complacent audiences feeling that this will remain a charming art-house movie.
The drama begins after Aoyama's colleague, Yoshikawa (Jun Kunimura), a perfectly unproblematic misogynist, suggests he use his position as head of a film production company to hold an audition for a new wife, ostensibly the search for the lead in a dormant project. Over drinks, both men bemoan the loss of traditional Japan, embodied in the lack of any "good girls" left.
Aoyama's initial misgivings are replaced by enchantment when he notices the résumé of Asami (Eihi Shiina), a beautiful young woman who immediately seems a perfect fit; demure, sensitive, and artistically trained. From here, the manipulations of this complex film begin as we are given increasing invitations to doubt her good nature and her story. This hinges on the first striking moment when the film 'becomes' a horror - after promising Yoshikawa that he will resist attempting to contact Asami, her smile as the phone eventually rings is truly frightening.
The pair depart Tokyo for a weekend away where Aoyama intends to propose. After showing him two deep scars in her thighs and making him promise to love only her, the lovers embrace. On awaking, Asami has disappeared and Aoyama begins the descent into a hellish world of panic and despair at the thought of losing his perfect bride. The shifts of gear include shaky hand-held camera movements and surreal scenes of former suitors held captive. Dreamlike recollections of previous abuse provide the reflex reasoning that maintains our readings of Asami as the embodiment of retributive femininity.
Aoyama's 'betrayal' of Asami, in that the initial audition was simply a ruse, becomes the pretext for the horrifically long scenes of torture that form the climactic Grand Guignol finale. Lush hues replace monochrome tones and the representation of pain inflicted upon the drugged Aoyama could hardly be more graphic. Yet the humour remains, if you can bear to watch, as Asami does despicable things with cheese wire and acupuncture needles while murmuring "deeper, deeper", and almost giggling through the ordeal.
Despite rich pickings for the critique of patriarchal sexual politics and psychosexual cause and effect, the simple truth of this expertly manipulative film is that Audition is the story of one man's fear that the angel he hopes he has found is not the devil of his wildest imagination. This centres on the supposition that the opposite of human perfection is not imperfection but absolute evil. This works as cinema because it presents its tale in reassuring 'art-house' compositions before toying with horror-genre conventions that really explore just what it is the viewer wishes to see. Further, the fact that we are more likely to read Asami as a 'real' psychopath rather than the beautiful and vulnerable young woman that she is, says much about our cinematic literacy and our appetite for the symbolism of evil.
In the last resort, this may be one man's fear, but every woman's fantasy. "Mmmm, deeper deeper..."
Reader comments about Audition
Snowy (Email address withheld) writes:
I just saw the movie tonight and walked out during the final scene which is completely gratuitous. In fact a number of people walked out of the movie. Thanks for ruining what could have been a promising movie
Loved the Film (Email address withheld) writes:
I found Audition more heartbreaking than gratuitous. For me it is primarily about a terrified and horrifically damaged young woman. I think the moments-long very final scene suggests this too. Take the violence with a pinch of salt - this is a wonderful film.
Geoff Birchenall (geoffbirchenall@hotmail.com) writes:
Audition is one of the most shocking and depraved films one could wish for. Imagine being lured into thinking you are watching a perfectly innocent social commentry, with hints of a violent undercurrent and then being plunged into a visual masterpiece of torture and psychological torment. After now seing Ring, Ring 2, Audition and Battle Royale, I can recommend Japanese Horror as a far more satisfying way to disturb yourself than Hollywood can provide
Vincent (framboise2278@aol.com) writes:
I thought this was going to be a great film until the main character realizes the female character left him at the resort. Then the narrative just completely changed and turned it into a mindless horror movie. By the time the final sequence took place, i was outright mad because I thought this could've been one of the best movies about social loneliness ever to be made.
Yet I must admit, the phone sequence was one of the greatest and scariest sequences i have ever seen. I saw it at the Cinematheque at los angeles, and heard several gasps from the audience during this sequence. It was so effective that it earned an applause.
Simon Jones (simon.jones@tvu.ac.uk) writes:
I have never seen a film like Audition. The best way to describe this breathtaking horror flick from Japanese director Miike Takashi would be: Sixth Sense as directed by David Cronenberg only better. Takashi’s film starts as a simple family drama about a lonely widower’s search for a new wife but quickly descends into the kind of surreal terror that leaves its audience unsure whether to laugh or scream. Indeed, so effective is Takashi at lulling his audience into a false sense of security that you’ll almost definitely end up doing both, and sometimes at the same time.
At it’s most basic core Audition tells the story of a father played with exceptional skill by Ryo Ishibashi who is left alone to raise his twelve year old son after the slow and painful death of his wife. The relationship between the two is undeniably close and when seven years on is son innocently suggests that it is time he found a new wife the father whole-heartedly takes the advice. Feeling it might be hard to find the perfect woman in modern Japanese society the Ishibashi character enlists the help of a producer friend who immediately offers to stage a fake movie audition in which Ishibashi can take his pick from dozens of young women.
So far, so good. The audition takes place, humour ensues and the audience is treated to a veritable array of beautiful, talented young ladies some of whom seem perfect while others simply prove comedic in their feeble attempts to land the fictitious lead role. But there is one woman in particular who catches the eye of Ishibashi. Dressed in white she appears to be everything that the widower is looking for in a woman: beautiful, modest, obedient and strangely melancholy. Like Ishibashi she has experienced a ‘death’ of sorts and her understanding of its necessity in life appeals to him in a way that can only be described as obsession. All goes well. They date and he even decides to ask for her hand in marriage during a weekend away at the seaside.
However, before he has a chance to propose they make love and when he awakens later that evening he finds she’s vanished without a trace. At this moment Audition changes beyond all recognition, no longer is it a charming tale of loneliness and repression but it becomes one of the most graphically disturbing, harrowing films you’ll ever likely to see.
Through fear of ruining the film let me just say that there is much, mush more to Takashi’s masterpiece. Ishibashi’s frantic search for his young beau not only leads him to uncover a stangled web of lies, disturbing hobbies and an abusive childhood, it also forces him to confront fears that neither he or the audience ever knew existed. What’s worse it begs the audience to question whether all they have just seen is really what happened or simply a twisted vision of a repressive, male orientated society as seen through the eyes of one lonely man.
Audition is flawless in all that it does. The direction seems effortless and the acting is far beyond the reach of most Hollywood stars making it a must see for anyone with a true love of cinema. A word to the wise, however, Audition is not for the weak hearted and some of its brutal imagery may leave you changed forever.
jules (_redkat@excite.com) writes:
For the first half of Takaski's 'Audition' I was rivetted. The short review I'd read said that the reviewer found the film to be the most frightening that he'd ever seen. So I prepared myself for the worst...and I had huge expaectations - that were increased when the lovely young lady (whom Ishibashi was dating)gave an extremely frightening smile.
So I was incredibly disappointed when the movie degenerated into a simple brutal gory movie with the boringly usual plot - psychotic female takes out her anger on male population.
I was VERY disappointed because I LOVED the first half of the film. When the psychotic woman threw the severed foot of the helpless male against the window - and it hit the window with a thud - the story began to seem humerous - and I never found it particularly frightening.
I think 'audition' could have been MUCH more interesting if the last half had been edited out and the movie then re-created as a murder-mystery thriller/or even a supernatural thriller...with something truly frightening in the sack.
Perhaps this Asian film director has seen too many American movies that are full of plotless, mindless violence - which doesn't leave one with much to think about at all...
here kitty kitty....
Dr Laura Palmer (medic@psychiatricdept.com) writes:
As a practicing psychiatrist I am deeply disturbed and dismayed at the types of films emerging onto the cinema screens of America today. I personally believe that horror movies of this type should be banned...and I am extremely concerned for the type of individual this sort of film attracts.
I believe Dirk Elroy-Carter excemplifies this and it concerns me that he would give out his e-mail address publicly for women to contact him. I have read a disturbing case study of a woman who had a predilection for meat-hook fantasies. It took the pschiatrist assigned to her case years to cure this affliction - and she still has numerous flashbacks and the scars on her buttocks will never be fully healed.
Sincerely Laura.
PS Dirk - if you feel the need to talk- please contact me on my personal address - laura@yahoo.com
bar (Email address withheld) writes:
I really want to see this movie. Unfortunately, I live in Michigan and this movie played at only 25 screens in the whole U.S. I heard a story about how this movie played at one of those big family-oriented multiplexes, and it caused so many people to either vomit, pass out, or run for the exit. That's what American needs, a kick in the throat!!! Credit goes to that multiplex!
Can anybody tell me if this movie is more disturbing than "Requiem for a Dream"?
A reply would be greatly appreciated.
xeset (mikesamaras@another.com) writes:
in answer to another users question. YES it it more disturbing than Requiem for a Dream. It starts off relaltively normal. Apart from the plot i.e. a man is looking for a new wife thru' fake drama rehersals, towards the end it goes head first in2 its sado masocist style. Well worth seeing. WARNING be carfeul the kids are about - they mighe get ideas.
:: http://www.filmrice.co.uk ::
Mike Lindsay (mike@reichpaper.com) writes:
Note to "bar" - "Audition" is probably one of THE most disturbing films you will ever see anywhere. That said, it is a true masterpiece of filmmaking that will leave you absolutely amazed, stunned and totally blown away!
bar (Email address withheld) writes:
thanks for the quick responses...I'm looking forward to seeing this film, hopefully I can make it through the whole thing. I'll have the paramedics ready!
Does anyone know when it will be available on Region 1 DVD?
I've rented "Henry: Portrait of Serial Killer", "The Exorcist", "A Clockwork Orange", "Christiane F"...all of them lightweight in comparison to "Requiem For A Dream". That film is truly amazing.
Milder (jmilder@hotmail.com) writes:
I just saw Audition, I missed it the first time it showed in cinema's, but I had a second chance :)
I must say most of the asian movies I saw,like Sushou river, Eureka, etc. leave me stunned for sometime after seeing them. I always feel kind of odd and don't know what to do.
I loved the build up in the movie and the cinematics where very beautiful. The smile scene gave back some of the feeling I had after seeing the first Alien who unfolded in the dark.
I noticed that no one mentioned the scene on the bad in the beach resort, where Asami said yes to the proposal from Aoyama. I thought it was one of the brilliant things the director did, it made you think...
The scene in the hall of the Stone Fish when the man tells that the owner of the bar was closed a year ago, and that the police had some extra bodyparts was very good to. The atmosphere became very breathtaking, just as the man in the wheelchair, the sound the chair made was perfect. I can recommend this film to every film lover. Asian movies always make a deep impression on me, or maybe impact is a better word.
minimoog (naftalene@hotmail.com) writes:
I guess the most disturbing thing about 'Audition' was the fact that, when the movie starts to descend towards a spiral of crossed-check back-flipped mismatched scenes of delusion, and as the horrific side of the female character starts to unfurl, I was so deeply touched by the innocent feel attached to the way she gently drives the pins through the guy's skin and slowly cuts his foot off that it made me thought that it was indeed worth to suffer by her hands in such grewsome way if that'd be what it took to earn her love, care and protection. That it would in fact be a blessing to him that she turned him into her slave as if only by driving himself from all free will he would finally manage to live a happy existence, in the shape of a toy.
The prisons of flesh that hold our conscience will crumble and die sooner or later, perhaps some physical sacrifices are worth it to support a concept, a twisted sense of higher meaning.
^_^
Know what I mean?
Erasmus Napier (Email address withheld) writes:
One of the worst films I have ever seen. Overblown, overrated, overmade. (Tripartite rhetoric, don't you love it?)
See under: gratuitous
or : superfluous
Dutch Dude (Email address withheld) writes:
Well.. what can i say.. I just saw the movie and im still in an eery way affected by it...My definition of a truly great movie
I loved the way the setup was done and especially the acting and such. And for a change i truly love the totally different way of filming then the hollywood way..Yes indeed no capital for that city.
What i absolutely find the most scary part bout the movie is that it makes you realize that there are people on this planet who have really really disturbed idea's (see the top of this reply list)and apart from that that it sheds light on the deeper motivation of people in general was it real was it fiction was it a deep deep fear that resents in males now what exactly was it
do you want to know or is better to walk away sometimes......
Few see with their own eyes
or feel with their own hearts
[Albert Einstein']
Kay Arne K (chojin_666@hotmail.com) writes:
I think this is one of the greatest horror movies ever made. The feeling you have after you have seen the movie is overwhelming. The build up is just amazing, and so is the acting.
There is a sad tone going trough the whole move, and you know this is going to end bad, but have no idea how bad.
I recomend this movie to all self respecting movie fans. ignore the buzz about this movie beeing sick and cruel, this movie is shocking in the way only a great horror film can be.
Alistair (Email address withheld) writes:
The first scene with the ballet teacher really sums this movie up. Picture it if you will, a gloomy boarded up building where a lone crippled man sits playing the piano. On hearing Aoyamas' questions he starts to giggle manically, eventually turning so we can see his wasted legs and mad countenance. It's predictable pantomime crap. Worse yet the director makes us sit through a dream sequence to try and give this pile of tosh some 'weight'. I'm not going to give away the ending but please someone admit that is has to be one of the most tired plot devices ever conceived. Forget all the art-house symbolism rubbish that is talked about this film, the only symbolism that means anything is that the torture victim is us the audience.
brendan (Email address withheld) writes:
Actually a lot of elements all just thrown together around a simple plot...But there was a story, albeit unknown to human experience in terms of its outer extemities of detail.
There is a nice scene with the wife dying..a truly beautiful treatment of a fine young man and the love between him and his father..some cute audition tapes of a variety of young women.. a gorgeous japanese school girl and the mandatory fantasy which she evoked..etc etc (lots of really nice images).
Oh, and as for the horror, we have a heart jumper half way through (not that scary)..and a scene which will be scary and disturbing if you don't close your eyes (I mean you get a warning so why watch it)..a deliciously menacing buildup, enhanced by appropriate music..then at the end the torture scene was nice..what a fantasy..a beautiful girl rendering you powerless and then giving you her full attention by sitting astride you after cutting your clothes away, and then sticking needles in you..very erotic and not at all scary..pity about the foot though.
Actually a bit scary because of a sense that something like the previously mentioned eye closer may happen, but it never does.Actually leave that little bit out and I'd have given the film another half star.
Was it a dream? well no, but who cares, it's all made up anyway. Was there really a point?..Not really, it was just a fairly well worn story allowed to go off on a tangent for some cheap thrills. I'd still only give it a 3/5
luis (panakillas@yahoo.es) writes:
if you think that audition is a depraved film one could wish for. You have to see VISITOR Q fron the same director.
Nick (kuba_tha_1da@yahoo.com) writes:
Once again, I think individuals are analyzing movies to hard...films are made either to get across a message visually or entertain. The Audition does both and is simply a breathtaking film...If you take away all the detail and glitter it is still a film made very well...my props go out to Miike Takashi and thos who enjoyed this movie as much as I did
mitch (Email address withheld) writes:
Brilliant build up to the harrowing climax.
But can someone explain how he dreamed about that thing in the sack??
Didn't think he went to her apartment, so how did he know it was there?
cal (Email address withheld) writes:
one possible explanation for the film is that the kiri kiri lady is a manifestation of his fear of women and her revenge on him is self-imposed due to his machoistich need to be punished for a)betraying his dead wife b)sleeping with his secretary and c) conning a load of accomplished young girls into auditioning to be his bride. Therefore all the badness that occurs is in his head and therefore he has created the man in the sack, the apartment, the wheelchairbound stepfather, the flapping tongue and even his foot severing lady friend.
phew
Kapil (king_of_hentai@hotmail.com) writes:
I just saw this film with my sisters. It certainly scared them and left a few images in my mind.
I don't know how or what to make of this film. For a first time viewing it seems to me like a surreal and twistid tale of feminist revenge. I wouldn't consider it graphic because there is meaning to the (concentrated) violence in this movie which is used for effect.
It is very abstract towards the end which is unfortunate because I wish I could say something more concrete about this film. It is definitely worth watching though.
catchinghalos (Email address withheld) writes:
I just saw Audition on Sundance channel/American cable in the middle of the night, alone in my living room. I am speechless. My initial introduction to Miike's films was his fantasy/musical/farce "Happiness of the Katakanis" which I found both amusing and ridiculous. Not so with Audition. My God, what a nightmare. Parts of the film's cinematic atmosphere reminded me of David Lynch's masterpiece "Mulholland Drive", which I loved. I agree with the above comments of other reviewers re: the sweetness and melancholy of the lead character (the girl) belies the horror which is to come. I was really inpressed by the acting skill of both leads, the older man and the girl. The actress had the most deceptively angelic countenance, which effectively enhanced the repulsiveness of the "activities" whcih fill the latter part of the film. Hannibal Lecter has nothing on this young woman when it comes to psychopathic sadism! Her sing-songy little girl voice, repeating "deeper, deeper" in Japanese, as she went about her "work" echoed in my mind as I attempted to fall asleep in the dark. What an effective addition the the scene of torture! This director really knows how to pull one's psychological strings! The scenes in the dance studio with the sick instructor were merely a prelude to what she was to become later in life. Did anyone else tie in the pointe (ballet toe shoes) shoes imagery with the social status of Japanese women, and also with what she did to the man later? (I am a retired ballet dancer, and I may have read too much into it)When the pivotal change comes in the film (from the qiet first part to the shock filled latter part) I literally jumped off the sofa! Those of you who have seen the film will identify with that scene, the one where we find out "what's in the bag" LOL. Great timing in that scene by the director, maximum scare value. I recommend this film only if you are not emotionally disturbed, squeamish, or have a delicate tummy! (Vivid and realistic scenes of torture and gore, superior special effects! Way too much like an autopsy class in med school! ) A masterpiece of the psychological horror genre! Watch it if you dare.....
Andromeda Spong (Email address withheld) writes:
Creepy, my "best" bit involved a sack a phone and a mad woman waiting - classic horror with a Japenese twist. This film left me feeling nervous!
Not for the squeamish!
Michael Rathbone in Leicester (wraith85_m@hotmail.com) writes:
I watched this film recently, and was truly gobsmacked. This has everything that a horror film could want. And yes, remember please that this is a horror film: there is no point wishing for a mystery-thriller or anything like that, because if that is what you want, you are watching the wrong film.
'Audition' has beautifully artistic sequences of film, such as the frames of the natural world in its extremity (in the manner of the traditional gothic), and the harrowing but subtly underplayed flashback moments.
It thrives on promising truly horrific scenes, which it never really delivers. This shows great restrain on the part of the narrator, and certainly creates a far more chilling film.
Contrary to what people are saying, the ending is not at all gratuitous, and unmessily provides a vehicle for the depiction of a tragically ruined young girl who is really a victim of a chauvinist society that has, through its abuse of her, turned her into its antithesis and its nemesis.
The atmosphere built up throughout the film, and the superbly flawed but not irredeemable characters combine to create a genuine masterpiece of modern horror. Similarly, the pathos of the film turns what could have been a simple atmospheric horror into something that can be perceived as a social commentary or a tragic story of an individual's fall from grace into the role that society has determined for her.
In a world where the horror genre has become a gimmick, it is nice to see that the art of creating a truly disconcerting and well crafted film is still alive.
Steve Jenkins (Email address withheld) writes:
Its interesting to read through the contrasting reviews that have been given for what is essentially an excellent film that flies in the face of typical western horror movie making. Whereas the late nineties has produced little more than a style of cheap shocks and mtv video movie making, the East have shown us how horror should be done. Nail-biting tension, disturbing drama and shocking conclusions that resonate within you long after the end titles. I feel Audition is a perfect example of this.
Emile (basicservices@worldonline.co.za) writes:
Audition is a typical example of one of those movies where you must go in knowing absolutely nothing about it and with no expectations.
That is when the horror is going to hit hardest.
Unfortunately, that would be a very rare situation for horror movie buffs, seeing as most viewers will undoubtedly be watching this because of word-of-mouth or reviews where its shock value and power to truly disturb are laid out.
I mean, no self-respecting extreme cinema fan would go and watch a film that starts out like a (slightly cheesy) romantic comedy, would they?
Yet, the first half of the movie, which might be a bit slow-moving, is absolutely essential to what happens later.
I just feel very sorry for (and I'm very envious of) the people who thought that this is REALLY a romantic comedy. What a shocker it must have been for them!
A surrealistic, Lynchian masterpiece and the type of movie Hollywood can never make in their wildest dreams.
Fortunately,unlike Ring, this is also a movie which Tinseltown CANNOT remake no matter how hard they try.
I love the way the film can be interpreted in different ways, to me the film can have three different endings and it's up to the viewer to decide which one is the "true" ending.
It has a very bad ending (the obvious needles-and-pins one), a good ending (at the resort where they wake up together and it was all a dream) and a somewhat more disturbing one (it was all in his head....or was she a ghost?)
The defining moment of the movie, though was the "waiting-by-the-phone" scene with the sack in the background.
This is the best jump-out-of-your-seat moment horror cinema has ever given us and all the false scares Western fright flicks throw at us do not even to begin to compare to this.
Any self-respecting horror freak MUST see and love this film.
Mundane Egg (Beatbard@aol.com) writes:
I have seen the film and found myself frightened and erotically charged at the same time.
I think that it is good for a man to suffer for his woman.
Does anyone know of any other movies that are similar with the woman captivating the man but without the extreme element here.
I am not asking for porn but some good cinema with these elements.
Thanks
Emile (Email address withheld) writes:
Audition, is a bad film! beautifully created and well shot.
My boyfiend and lover have both rated the film highly but to be honest I was apalled! I am not a prude, this is bad fetish!
1. the content and the depth of cruelty lavished on Asami's protagonist is both mentally and physically repellant.
2. the softening of fetish by emotional development of father son relationship tricks the viewer into accepting this horror into a "real" setting.
I threw up during and after watching it.
My eyes and head ached, it is impossible to accept its concept and normalise it in civil terms. Obscenities!
Kate (Email address withheld) writes:
Nice poetic justice, the misogynist is given a lesson in self sufficiency. A metaphorical understanding could be that he is fed a diet of his own lies. The reality is much harsher and more difficult to accept as he is physically forced to eat himself. Interesting.
The Cynic (Email address withheld) writes:
Hmm, food for thought! I would not recommend this film for a first date.
T. Pence (Email address withheld) writes:
Great Horror Flick! It really shocks the hell out of an unprepared audience. Miike executes this film with Hitchcockian percision. His sense of cinema is remarkable. The films contradiction, both beautiful and horrible to look at, is mind blowing! Is the film sadistic? YES. Does the ending go too far? A little. Is the film for everyone? Not really. But the film is very deep and thought provoking. It will remain in the back of your mind for days after viewing it. It really destroys the sterotype of the submissive, dosile Oriental woman! The David Lynch influence is very obvious. Does anyone see the simlarities to "Lost Highway"?
el dave-o (Email address withheld) writes:
a mysoginistic viewpoint is certainly the most obvious approach, however since the tragic loss of his wife Aoyama is simply attempting to fill a void his son cannot. He can also be seen experiencing fire submitted by remorse and his decisions are influenced by a friend.
Mamimi the filipino great (imdrinkingtea@gmail.com) writes:
I must say that I have not watched it. I would like to...but have not. I was actually watching a tv promotion type thing on the BRAVO channel, which reviewed horror movies,sooo that is how I heard of it. And I must say "snowy", if you did not want the movie to be ruined, then you simply shouldn't have did your research on the movie, so the only person to blame is yourself!...not yoram allon.and...if you read a review on a movie then wouldn't you NOT see the movie after all??
kevin (Email address withheld) writes:
Can someone please explain to me the ending?
I just didn't get how he ended up in the same room with the sack, and the guy in the wheel chair.
Good film, but ending was very muddled up.
dmop (Email address withheld) writes:
This movie is garbage. If you want to make a collage of disturbing images, make a music video. But if you're going to make a film, you owe it to your audience to maintain some level of linear thought or logic. If the girl is psychotic, fine, but that doesn't excuse her (or the other characters) from the laws of cause and effect. And really, the whole "it was just a dream. Or was it...?" plot twist is played. What a cop out, all the more disappointing because of an excellent build-up. If you haven't already watched this, do yourself a favor; watch the first half of the movie, then turn it off and invent your own ending. I'm sure you'll come up w/ something more creative than Takashi did.
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