Millennium Actress (2001)
Will this daringly original screenplay sweep you off your feet?
Presentation:
The visuals of this film are so-so, comparable to Tokyo Godfathers, instead relying on locations to present visual intrigue. The film has one of the most original storytelling concepts of a woman’s interview being presented as live reenactments for the audience’s entertainment. These references are past films the protagonist has acted in, referencing iconic and influential Japanese films. However, I only recognized maybe 2 of the films, Gojira and possibly Grave of the Fireflies. I would say how fun the references are really depends on your exposure to Japanese cinema so I didn’t really feel the fan service at all. Although this unique method of storytelling is truly one of a kind, I don’t think the story is that relatable as it relies on seemingly metaphoric elements for the core love story. Perhaps better image quality could have sold me on the artistic merits of this original screenplay.
Analysis:
I interpreted the primary love story as having a secondary meaning. The double entendre is the director’s love for cinema, expressed through the love of an actress for an unknown man. Chiyoko Fujiwara is also loved by the cameraman, whom is revealed to be one of her biggest fans. So there seems to be another parasocial aspect through film, perhaps indicating how moviegoers can fall in love with an actor even hundreds of years ago from their on-screen performances. This love of cinema can also be supported by the plot of the movie, where we experience Chiyoko’s past memories of her films in real time, which are references to such classic Japanese films. If you view it this way, I think the film makes more sense, but this metaphor ultimately detracts from their chemistry and you need to properly execute your primary narrative before you can implement thematic elements.
Conclusion:
If you liked those psychological experiences like Perfect Blue or Paprika, this could be right up your alley. Unfortunately I found the characters a bit flat and was never convinced of the star crossed love. This is really a shame because the unique concept is actually executed pretty well, it’s just that the character development and emotional connection gets hampered by the constant cuts and disjointed timeline. This experience seems specifically targeted toward Japanese audiences. But even for those that do know all the references, it’s still a pretty slippery slope when you the film doesn’t give you a reason to root for them other than having a cool plot device. A great idea in structure, but this is a cinematic lock that we never get the key for.
Recommendations
Makoto Shinkai’s visual stunner falls short of Ghibli’s magic.