In preparation for my final project, I’ve been revisiting my favorite Asian horror films.  One film I’ve always enjoyed watching with people is Takashi Miike’s Audition (1999).  It always gets a reaction from people.  I’ve found it to be one of the ultimate “love it or hate it” movies.

The story focuses on Shigeharu Aoyama, a middle-aged widower, who is convinced to start dating again by his teenage son.  Things are complicated when a friend suggests he literally audition girls to be his next wife or girlfriend.  They act as if there’s a casting call for a film, interview prospective actresses, and pick the one he likes best.  He finds his match in Asami, an ex ballerina.  She’s young, beautiful, and very mysterious.  The two begin dating.

Audition is easily one of the most frightening and visceral films I’ve ever seen.  The movie does a great job of easing you into the story.  It’s starts innocently enough (if a bit creepy) and scene by scene lays on a sense of dread that boils over in the torturous climax.  The tension ramps up as we begin to see the holes in Asami’s persona and learn the tragic reality of her past.  The sights and sounds of that final encounter is something that you’ll be hard pressed to forget.

With all the trappings and gore of a conventional horror film, Audition ends on more of a tragic note.  I’m reminded of old Monster movies like Frankenstein, the Wolfman, of the Creature from the Black Lagoon.  Yes, they were monsters but they were also tragic figures who you also felt sympathy for.  When the villain in Audition finally gets what is coming, I was left feeling sad as opposed to triumphant.

Audition isn’t for everyone, but Audition is for me.