Celebrating the Blu-ray Release of 'Dollhouse' with Special Screenings and Director Talk Show

Special Screening and Talk Show for 'Dollhouse'

The highly anticipated Blu-ray and DVD of the film 'Dollhouse,' directed by the acclaimed Fumihiko Yaguchi, hit the shelves on November 19. To celebrate this release, a special retrospective titled 'The Breath of Fumihiko Yaguchi' was held at Shin-Bungeiza in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, from November 17 to 26. The showcase included a selection of five of Yaguchi's noteworthy films: 'Secret Garden,' 'Adrenaline Drive,' the socially impactful 'Swing Girls,' and 'WOOD JOB!,' leading up to the grand unveiling of 'Dollhouse.'

Among the highlights was a talk show on November 23 featuring producer Manabu Endo interviewing director Yaguchi. The theater was packed with enthusiastic fans eager to hear insights straight from the director himself.

A Gripping Introduction

Yaguchi began the talk with humor, saying, "Today, I’m here to tell a fun… no, a scary story. Thank you for being here." With 'Swing Girls' being screened just before 'Dollhouse,' he joked about the emotional turmoil viewers may have felt after experiencing the contrasting tones of the two films: the joyful vibe of 'Swing Girls' versus the bleak atmosphere of 'Dollhouse.' This sparked discussions about the complex themes present in his latest work and how they diverged from his previous films.

The Creative Sparks Behind 'Dollhouse'

The journey of creating 'Dollhouse' began with Yaguchi submitting a plot under a pseudonym, Katagiri, to avoid preconceived notions associated with his name. He explained, "I thought using a pseudonym would help eliminate biases from my past works aiming for happy endings." This tactic ultimately led to fruitful collaboration with renowned producer Tomoatsu Fukutsu, and soon after, conversations about bringing the project to life began to flourish.

When Endo inquired about the inspiration for such a daring genre shift into horror, Yaguchi mentioned he had previously tackled light horror in a TV drama series but was excited to venture into the depths of true fear with 'Dollhouse.' The anonymity of 'Katagiri' provided him the creative freedom needed to explore chilling narratives.

Casting Choices and Artistic Direction

The lead role of Masami Nagasawa was a crucial choice for the film. Yaguchi recalled, "I instantly thought of her while casting. Having worked with her in 'WOOD JOB!', I knew she could embody the nuances of complex characters. I wanted to put her in serious predicaments that would showcase a different side of her talent." Nagasawa’s enthusiasm upon reading the plot further solidified her as the right choice.

Another significant character is the Aya doll, described as a central figure in the film. Yaguchi worked meticulously on her design, ensuring that she embodied an unsettling presence. Rather than animate the doll, he aimed to create an aura of uncertainty around its existence, manipulating viewer perceptions of what is real and what is not.

Exploring Distinctive Japanese Horror

In discussing the cultural differences in how horror is portrayed in Japan compared to Hollywood, Yaguchi addressed the subtleties in Japanese horror, which often revolves around existential dread rather than physical confrontations with evil. He focused on maintaining a sense of anxiety, employing tension and silence to heighten the audience's fear.

Drawing inspiration from classic horror films like 'The Exorcist,' Yaguchi sought to depict the fear of an unseen presence invading one’s space, reinforcing a psychological horror that lingers long after the credits roll. This approach has led to a growing appreciation of his work on international stages, as reflected in the overwhelming positive reaction from audiences at the Porto International Film Festival, where 'Dollhouse' took home the Best Film Award.