'Perfect Blue' is a surreal horror anime film directed by the late Satoshi Kon and was released in 1997. Kon is a well known filmmaker for fans of Japanese anime and has influenced others in their work, the most famous example being director Darren Aronsofsky. The story is a common theme with Kon, focused on the real & the unreal, the person you truly are & your persona. A young pop singer named Mima announces to her fans during her final concert that she will be pursuing a career of an actress. At first things are going well for Mima, until she begins to receive harassing letters and she is becoming more intimate, such as doing nude photography and starring in a graphic television drama. Her inner conflict with these changes in her career start to wane on her sanity, as Mima the pop star and the real Mima fight for control and reality & fantasy become blurred.
I myself have a particular interest in the subject of someone creating a persona. In the modern world of social media, this practice is more popular and widespread then it was back when 'Perfect Blue' was released, but seeing the film in 2019 gives it even more of a relevant message and shows Kon's talent of perception. We all have our Twitter & Facebook profiles, but a film like 'Perfect Blue' makes you ask yourself 'Is this truly myself? Or is this what I want people to see me as?'. The film makes this question the primary focus for Mima as she struggles internally with herself, doubting her choices and eventually her own sanity as those around her begin to be brutally murdered and with all evidence pointing to her.
The film also looks at the other side of the spectrum as well and see the results of this issue of creating a persona. If you know anything of Hollywood or show business in general, this is nothing new. We see actors, singers, performers as they're presented in their work but when does the line get pushed too far? When do we see them as objects or merely our own enjoyment rather than people just like us? I don't think 'Perfect Blue' points a particular finger at either side but rather presents them both to the audience and Kon let's you decide for yourself what is the potential benefits and dangers of such a lifestyle? It simply amazes me when someone can be this insightful that their message can become even more relevant years down the road and the world is truly missing something because of the loss of Kon. 'Perfect Blue' is well...quite simply a perfect film. It's surreal atmosphere, real world setting, and its strong themes make it a must see for fans of psychological horror or anime. You'd be sorely missing out if you don't.
5/5
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