IFFI 50: Media creates movie genres, says Takashi Miike

Movies are not originally made in specific genres, but when the information about a movie gets transmitted, the media portrays it as belonging to a particular genre, said renowned film-maker Takashi Miike. He was participating in a media conference organised on the sidelines of 50th International Film Festival of India. Takashi Miike, one of the most outstanding film-makers from Asia and around the world, with a cult status, was the ‘Film-maker in Focus’, at IFFI this year.

Speaking about this new film, First Love, Takashi said that the movie is a love story, set against the backdrop of a Yakuza gang war. “I had been looking forward to making a movie on Japanese gangsters Yakuza for quite some time,” he said.

Replying to questions, Takashi said that he doesn't wish to put a particular message in his movies. “Controlling the message is not good. How audience feel about the movie is more important. Message should be based on personal experience of the viewers”, he elaborated.

About finding his self-reflection in the violent characters he made, Takashi Miike said that though he explores subjects like violence, he doesn't look at them from the audience’s view. “As a person, I am very calm, reserved and quiet”, he added.

On a note of advice to aspiring young film-makers, Takashi said, “Enjoy life and learn what you can from it. When times change, in life, film-making changes accordingly. Use the experience you gathered, while making your films.”

Producer of First Love, Misako Saka, said that she has been working together with Takashi Miike for 25 years. Apart from First Love, Takashi’s Ichi the Killer, Audition, Dead or Alive and 13 Assassins were screened at the 50th IFFI.