Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters is a visually intricate and metaphysically provocative biographical drama set in the post-WWII period of Japan's history. Directed by American filmmaker Paul Schrader of Taxi Driver fame, the film chronicles the life and dramatic end of the controversial Japanese author and nationalist, Yukio Mishima.

The film, produced in 1985, stars Ken Ogata in the titular role of Yukio Mishima. Known for his intense performances in films like Vengeance is Mine, Ogata brings to life the tortured genius of Mishima with electrifying intensity. Supporting Ogata, Masayuki Shionoya and Hiroshi Mikami provide brilliant performances as well, making the movie a compelling spectacle.

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters is an unusual biopic as it constructs the life of Mishima with a four-part structural design. It interweaves narratives from Mishima's iconic novels with dramatized versions of episodes from his own life, ultimately leading up to his infamous suicide by seppuku. The meditation on the artist and his work, as well as the artifice of life and artistic creation itself, set the movie apart from more traditional biographical narratives.

The film makes extensive use of flashbacks and vignettes from Mishima's novels to delineate his psyche. It showcases the life journey of Mishima as a radical ideologue, gifted novelist, and fitness enthusiast, finally culminating in his failed coup. This inclusive narrative frames Mishima's worldview and motivations in a sympathetic, yet unsettling complexity.

Excellently, the film sheds light on Mishima's relationships with his family and peers, his struggles with his own sexuality and his identity, and his quest for personal redemption through his philosophy of life. Ken Ogata's representation of Mishima does a commendable job of offering a portrayal of the man that is introspectively human and iconically larger-than-life at the same time.

Directed by Schrader, the illustrious screenplay of the movie was penned in collaboration with Leonard Schrader and his wife, Chieko Schrader. The script does an impeccable job of giving viewers a glimpse into Mishima's philosophical perspectives, personal life, and his extreme nationalist political leanings. It also references and vividly brings to life portions of Mishima's novels, interjecting the narrative with searing imagery and metaphoric nuances.

The technical facets of the film justly deserve special praise. The cinematography by John Bailey is nothing short of stunning. The imagery is exceptionally vivid, filling every scene with a lush aesthetic appeal. This becomes an expressive language for conveying the contrast between the monochromatic everyday life of Mishima and the highly stylized and theatrical world of his literary works.

With lavishly designed stage settings and costumes, symbolic colorations, and tight shots, the film captures the intrinsic connection between Mishima's imaginative artistic vision and the dramatic, brutal reality he desired. The beautiful, haunting musical score by renowned composer Philip Glass further enhances the emotional intensity of the film.

What elevates Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters above common bio-drama narratives is its unrelenting exploration of the paradoxes in Mishima's life and art. Even while emphasizing his eccentricities and stances that may feel deeply unsettling, the film never diminishes his stature as one of the most significant literary figures in Japan.

Remember, however, that the movie does not make an attempt to judge or justify his actions but rather paints a vivid, intense picture of Mishima's physical and spiritual journey. Thus, it serves as a complicated, colorfully layered tribute to a complex man's life and work.

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters challenges its viewers with philosophical quandaries and leaves an enduring impression. It remains a profoundly poignant film, rich with metaphorical and visual language. A truly critical and respectful homage to one of the 20th century's most noteworthy and controversial figures, it continues to captivate, baffle, and inspire viewers worldwide. Featuring top-notch acting, direction, score, and cinematography, this film is a must-watch for those interested in the intersections of art, life, and philosophy.