MUBI Podcast
HOUSE — The Japanese psychedelic masterpiece
Oct 24, 2024
Join film critic Anna Bogutskaya, Nobuhiko Obayashi's daughter Chigumi, and Yale professor Aaron Giroux as they delve into the cult classic 'House.' Discover how childhood fears shaped its surreal horror and its unique marketing aimed at kids. The guests discuss the evolution of Japanese cinema and the film's anti-war themes. They also explore the film's haunting elements, revealing a playful yet profound rejection of cinematic norms. This insightful conversation uncovers the magic behind a beloved masterpiece.
27:16
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Quick takeaways
- The film 'House' was inspired by Chigumi Obayashi's childhood memories, blending her fears into visionary cinematic imagery.
- Nobuhiko Obayashi's unconventional filmmaking journey redefined horror in Japan, intertwining social commentary with playful yet terrifying elements.
Deep dives
The Inspiration Behind 'House'
The creation of the film 'House' was significantly influenced by the childhood memories of Chigumi Obayashi, the daughter of director Nobuhiko Obayashi. Her recollections of a scary house owned by her grandparents in Onomichi served as a primary source of inspiration for the film's wild visuals and haunting narrative elements. For instance, she shared ideas about a piano that attacks a person and a disembodied head emerging from a well, which were drawn directly from her own experiences and fears as a child. This unique blend of personal memory and imagination laid the groundwork for what would become one of Japan's most unconventional horror films, transforming her fears into memorable cinematic imagery.
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