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.
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.
The Unfolding of Obayashi's Career
Nobuhiko Obayashi's journey to becoming a filmmaker was unconventional, beginning with his reluctance to follow the family tradition of pursuing medicine. After a realization during a medical examination that he wanted a different path, his father gifted him an 8mm camera, igniting his passion for film. Despite facing hurdles in a rigid studio system that favored formal training, he leveraged a crisis in the Japanese film industry to showcase his talents as a commercials director. This backdrop allowed him to pitch a film to Toho that was markedly different from the standard horror fare, ultimately leading to the groundbreaking release of 'House'.
Themes and Cultural Significance of 'House'
'House' is not merely a horror film; it encapsulates a profound commentary on post-war Japanese society and the complexities of female victimhood. The film’s central antagonist, an undead aunt, symbolizes the lingering impact of war on Japan, challenging the portrayal of women as mere victims while introducing a playful yet horrifying narrative. Elements from traditional Japanese horror, such as ghost cats, are woven into the film, creating a hybrid genre that stands apart from Western horror conventions. Ultimately, 'House' serves as both a whimsical exploration of fear and a critique of historical narratives, reinforcing the director's lifelong anti-war perspective through a uniquely engaging lens.
Few films have garnered the rabid, cult following over the years is a sight to behold. Giant cats. Talking houses. Heads coming out of wells. The images might be familiar, but the story behind the film is less so. The debut feature from experimental filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi was done in collaboration with his 10-year-old daughter.
Season 6, titled Haunted Homes, explores how haunted house movies have mirrored our relationship with our homes. Each episode visits a horror movie that changed the way we imagine a haunted house, from the crumbling Gothic mansions to white picket fences, what it says about the people who live in the houses and what scares them the most.
Guest written and hosted by Anna Bogutskaya. Find her book on horror films and feelings, FEEDING THE MONSTER, online and in all good bookshops. You can also listen to her horror film history podcastThe Final Girlsand subscribe to her movie newsletter Admit One.
MUBI is a global streaming service, production company and film distributor dedicated to elevating great cinema. MUBI makes, acquires, curates, and champions extraordinary films, connecting them to audiences all over the world. A place to discover ambitious new films and singular voices, from iconic directors to emerging auteurs. Each carefully chosen by MUBI’s curators.
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