Guillermo del Toro Raves About This Controversial Horror Film
If you’re keen to experience a thought-provoking film featuring an unorthodox audition and profound commentary on gender roles and relationship dynamics, we’ve got a picture that might very well scratch that decidedly specific itch. But wait, there’s more! Celebrated director Guillermo del Toro is a fan of the film of which we speak and has even said as much on social media.
With that in mind, you can see all the particulars via the tweet below.
Film: Audition by Takashi Miike. Gorehounds will only get 2 or 3 moments of cringing violence but there's tension throughout.
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) June 3, 2016
While del Toro is absolutely right that Audition only features gore in brief spurts, that is more than made up for thanks to the undeniably visceral nature of said gore and the almost unbearable baseline of tension prevalent throughout.
Despite Audition’s status as a stone-cold classic, it has been steeped in a level of controversy since its release. Some of the backlash comes from the brief moments of stomach-churning violence. Yet, others take issue with the thematic elements.
I think some who take issue with the film may be missing the point as it is intended. I have always interpreted the picture as an indictment of male privilege and problematic ideas around gender roles. Some, however, have suggested that screenwriter Daisuke Tengan is sending the underlying message that women are deceitful and dangerous.
If you’d like to check out the film to see how you feel, I suggest you do precisely that. If so inclined, you can find Audition streaming on Tubi presently.
Here is the setup for the Japanese-language shocker Audition:
This disturbing Japanese thriller follows Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi), a widower who decides to start dating again. Aided by a film producer friend (Miyuki Matsuda), Aoyama uses auditions for a fake production to function as a dating service. When Aoyama becomes intrigued by the withdrawn, gorgeous Asami (Eihi Shiina), they begin a relationship. However, he begins to realize that Asami isn’t as reserved as she appears to be, leading to gradually increased tension and a harrowing climax.
So, there you are, dear reader. Guillermo del Toro sees Audition as a film with endless merits, perhaps you will as well. If you need to fill in a blind spot, we suggest you navigate to Tubi to see where you stand.
Stay tuned to Dread Central for more killer content in the near future. In the meantime, feel free to seek me out on Threads. I am active on the platform as @FunWithHorror.
Categorized: News
