Slasher » 2007-09-10, 19:27
Brief Interview with Shinya Tsukamoto on Nightmare Detective
BLAKE: Growing up what films had the strongest impact on you?
TSUKAMOTO: A big impact on me were the films of Akira Kurosawa even though they were totally different from [what became] mine. I was in high school when I saw his movies and [they] left quite an impact on me.
BLAKE: Back in your university days how big of an influence would you say Sogo Ishii was on you, especially his film ”Crazy Thunder Road?”
TSUKAMOTO: When I was in first class of University, Ishii was in fourth class. I saw how he made his final thesis film and was able to get it sold. I wasn’t envious but I looked up to him and wanted to do the same kind of film [with ”Crazy Thunder Road."].
BLAKE: In your previous films you have dealt with the human body and the city and I was curious with ”Nightmare Detective” what themes you were hoping to explore?
TSUKAMOTO: I thought about concluding the exploration of the issue when I made ”Vital." But actually, I wanted to tell a few more stories about that. ”Nightmare Detective” [happens to be one] of those stories.
BLAKE: Where did the original idea for ”Nightmare Detective” come from?
TSUKAMOTO: My first idea I had for ”Nightmare Detective” came when I was making ”Tetsuo." Over the years I got a lot of ideas and finally two years ago I sat down and wrote the script for it.
BLAKE: What was the spark in finally getting it made?
TSUKAMOTO: The theme of “human body and the city” started with ”Tetsuo” and ended with ”Vital." But then I realized that I still have more things to say about that. So, I really wanted to get it in production. With Nightmare part 1, [this] is still presented, but in [”Nightmare Detective 2”] and on I will explore a different theme like [perhaps] - dreams and subconscious.
BLAKE: Do you still plan on making the Nightmare Detective trilogy?
TSUKAMOTO: I initially planned on making three but now I’ve combined the scripts for parts two and three, so I don’t know what I’d do with any third film (laughs). Two is planned to be made now.
BLAKE: You create such rich cinematic worlds in your films. I was curious what your creative approach was to constructing visual and sound design in your films.
TSUKAMOTO: I usually have visual ideas for my films and they are very clear. I just try to bring those ideas to life as closely as possible to [match] my original visions. I guess that’s why my films naturally come out sometimes being unique, complex, and interesting looking.
BLAKE: So a combination of pre-visualizing and finding the film while editing it?
TSUKAMOTO: Basically, my visions and ideas for the film is very clear. But in reality, I can’t really find locations that closely mach my visions in most cases. But, that doesn’t mean I give up on realizing my visions. [This] allows me to be more creative and make the film more and more interesting.
BLAKE: For the character of Keiko Kirishima how in the world did you know Hitomi would be right for that role?
TSUKAMOTO: This film was intended to be a very dark cult film. But a company that invested money in to my film gave me a major film budget. If you want to make a major movie with such dark story, then you have to find a story teller that will bring light to the story. Hitomi is very popular with the public. Her public image is very soft and warm, so I thought she should be the light in the film.
BLAKE: Some have said ”Nightmare Detective” is more of a mainstream departure for you. What are your thoughts on that?
TSUKAMOTO: I intended to make a mainstream movie with this film, but then I realized that it [was] very difficult [to do]. I [was] brainstorming [on] what would be the best way to present the film [in this regard]. I call my films “cult entertainment.” In the past efforts, I put more emphasis on the cult elements, so with Nightmare, my intention is to incorporate more of the entertainment side.
BLAKE: What was the shooting schedule on ”Nightmare Detective” like?
TSUKAMOTO: Both the shooting and the editing took two months each. Two months is pretty long, but it wasn’t quite enough for me though.
BLAKE: Will there be a different cut on the DVD and any delete scenes?
TSUKAMOTO: There will only be a making of.
BLAKE: So there weren’t any extra scenes?
TSUKAMOTO: In “Tetsuo” (laughs) there were many extra scenes but not this one.
BLAKE: Upcoming projects?
TSUKAMOTO: I’m planning several projects but right now the production companies want me to start working on the second ”Nightmare Detective” soon.
BLAKE: Lastly, thoughts on the Nippon Connection?
TSUKAMOTO: I have a very warm feeling for this festival and I always feel very relaxed when I attend.
