Audition (2001)

User Review

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  TheMovieDiorama

  8 / 10

  Audition, so far, is the only film to make me genuinely feel nauseous. I've seen a few J-horrors to know that the genre is filled with some sick and twisted entries. But honestly, not seen anything quite like this. A widow attempts to find a wife again by hosting auditions for a fake film. He becomes captivated by a young girl named Asami who remains elusive until her true intentions are shown. A clear narrative structure where the story builds up the tension and releases all hell within it's harrowing climax. And what an ending! I can deal with Asami's torture methods. I've got that down. What I could not comprehend was just one scene. I shan't spoil it, but it does involve vomit. I've never seen anything quite like it. Scarred for life. Too much detail. My eyes. They are bleeding. What was left of my innocence, has now dissipated. The context of the story and its purpose are well explored and described. Portraying how rich greedy men view women as just objects. The beauty of this horrific nightmare, is that the character who was truly in control was Asami herself. She is able to manipulate his mind. Sure she has issues as a person, I won't deny that. But it's refreshing to see that the male protagonist is the vulnerable character. It works on so many levels. Takashi Miike's direction was interesting to observe. A variety of different camera techniques to convey control and power in the blossoming relationship. Aoyama always looks at the camera whereas Asami consistently looks down on the floor, POV shots to increase suspense, long stationary shots to let the characters interact...and then skewed angles for the nightmarish climax. Speaking of said ending, I do think it becomes slightly too crazy too quickly. The build up was exceptional, masterfully crafted with an unnerving undertone throughout...and then it happens. As if Miike knew that time was depleting so he had to quickly wrap it up. I did find the first two acts occasionally slowed down to a halt but the pay off is what we wanted, and it delivers. Needles, wires, drugs, clamps...Asami is well equipped!

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