What a stunning film. A real experience. One of those you almost let wash over you like a dream. John Bailey's photography is absolutely mesmerizing and it has to be one of the most jaw droppingly beautiful films I've ever seen. Fantasy and fiction merge with the real life of Mishima and play out within the stories written by him. What a concept. The film explores Mishima's state of mind, his grasp of how art and reality converge, his patriotism and loyalty to the Japanese state and sexuality. It also has that nihilistic / self destruction theme that is often prevalent in Schrader / Scorsese projects.
Total art.
Total art.