Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985) Paul Schrader

I haven’t read any books by Mishima, but I did know the most infamous fact about one of Japan’s most famous authors, that he died in a dramatic ritual at the end of his life.  The movie, Mishima: a Life in Four Chapters (1985) by Paul Schrader includes this day, but also scenes from his most famous works in highly stylized set pieces.  The novels, The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Kyoko’s House, and Runaway Horses were beautiful and sometimes eye-watering in their settings designed by Eiko Ishioka.  The music by Philip Glass also set this movie apart as an aural feast.  Each of the four chapters are distinctive and have their own emotional through lines.  After watching the interpretations, I’m sure I’ll be reading at least one of these for future review!

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