Stuff To Blow Your Mind Weirdhouse Cinema Rewind: Black Lizard (1968)
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Jun 16, 2025 Dive into the quirky world of the 1968 film 'Black Lizard,' where charming drag performances collide with serious themes. The hosts dissect its unique style, exploring forbidden love and gripping crime thriller elements. You'll hear about the film's visual flair and artistic significance, along with its legacy shaped by influential Japanese figures. With a plot rich in deception and dark humor, the narrative reveals unexpected twists, all while blending the eerie with the avant-garde. Perfect for fans of the bizarre!
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Black Lizard's Unique Style
- Black Lizard is a stylish 1968 Japanese criminal film featuring a charismatic drag queen lead, played by Akihiro Miwa.
- The film blends camp and crime thriller elements, focusing on passion and tragic romance more than comedy.
Literary Roots and Cultural Influence
- Black Lizard's screenplay draws from a novel by Edogawa Rampo and a stage play by Yukio Mishima, blending mystery, eroticism, and death.
- Both Rampo and Mishima are significant Japanese cultural figures influencing the film's unique tone and themes.
Akihiro Miwa's Iconic Performance
- Akihiro Miwa, who plays Black Lizard, is one of Japan's most famous drag performers and a significant cultural figure from the 50s and 60s.
- Miwa's charismatic, passionate performance is central to the film's appeal, transcending drag to embody the character fully.
