“Minamata” A gaze focused on capturing the soul that soothed Minamata and Eugene Smith

A viewing experience that assimilates Eugene Smith's gaze

However, if the film had simply been an accurate depiction of the history of the pollution problem, it would not have been as impressive as it is. What was important was that it was based on a photo book, and that Eugene Smith's ``gaze'' toward the subject became the backbone of the production. By recreating Eugene Smith's approach to filming in the story, the audience was able to access the story of Minamata and Eugene on a deeper level.

In Taeko Ishii's nonfiction book `` Let's Photograph the Soul: Eugene Smith and Irene's Minamata, '' which was published at the same time as the film's release, his partner Irene explains how he approached his subjects. ing.

``He used to say, ``When I take pictures, I look like a little mouse.'' I wanted to keep a low profile so that no one would notice. Eliminate your sense of existence. (Omitted) With his large body, he enters the tatami room of a patient's house in Minamata. But I don't feel like I'm here. Eugene didn't learn a single word of Japanese. I didn't particularly care about Japanese culture or customs. But he didn't have the typical American ego. I think that's why I was able to blend in and be accepted.

Photojournalists' mission is to inform the world of reality by publishing their photographs. However, the Eugene depicted in this work does not focus on reporting, but instead focuses his ``eyes'' on the subject through a lens, which resonates with the people of Minamata and gives the impression that he is healing them. Then, that gaze is reflected back at Eugene, and Eugene himself begins to heal (he suffered a serious injury to his upper jaw while reporting on the Battle of Okinawa, which made it difficult for him to eat normal meals, and alcohol (I couldn't let go of it).

The drama has a dramatic structure in which a man whose job is to stare at people is healed by his gaze, leaving an unforgettable impression as a work.

“Minamata” © 2020 MINAMATA FILM, LLC © Larry Horricks

In the book I mentioned earlier, Irene also said the following words from Eugene.

``Journalists are like judges, Eugene said. Judges have the Complete Book of the Six Laws, but we don't have it. What corresponds to the complete book of the Six Laws is your sincerity, belief, sense of responsibility, and way of looking at things. In other words, it's your own decision. Journalists must take responsibility for their decisions. The idea was that we should not escape from the word objectivity.

Objectivity is very important from the perspective of reporting, where things must be viewed fairly. However, when scooping out the details of the human soul, it can sometimes get in the way, and sometimes it can become an escape route for the artist. Expression that can only be achieved by getting into the subject and resonating with it without running away from objectivity. Eugene Smith, who has been described as a ``photographer who carries a cross,'' aimed to create photographs that stir the soul, even at the cost of his own life.

This film gives the audience a vivid cinematic experience by expressing Eugene Smith's philosophy through the role of Johnny Depp. Through this work, we can simulate the gaze that Eugene Smith places on his subjects, and we can also experience that gaze ourselves. The audience can't help but feel the gaze that is focused on capturing the soul, and it resonates with them on a deep level.

reference:

"Let's capture the soul: Eugene Smith and Irene's Minamata" (Taeko Ishii: Author, Bungeishunju)

Interview and text: Tetsuya Inagaki

TV director. My personal goal is to realize a documentary project that depicts the obsessions of manga and movie creators. Programs he has directed in the past include ``The Godfather : The Man Who Revolutionized Manga'' (WOWOW), ``Takeshi's Birth: Master and Asakusa'' (NHK), ``Master and Disciple Story: The Encounter That Changed My Life'' [Masahiro Tanaka x Katsuya Nomura ] (NHK BS Premium).

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"Minamata"

Thursday, September 23rd (holiday) TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and other nationwide releases

© 2020 MINAMATA FILM, LLC © Larry Horricks