“The Vanishing” What is the true fear and anxiety left to the audience?

What is the difference between abnormal and normal?

Even if we are good-natured viewers, surely most people have at least secretly thought about some illegal act in their mind. That desire may lead to kidnapping, as in this film, or it may lead to murder, assault, theft, fraud, etc. Yes, the desire and curiosity to "try" to do something that goes against the law must exist in many people. And yet, most people don't put it into action. But is that because they are "good"?

In this film, there is a scene where Raymond discusses the theory of crime. He says that committing a crime is the same as falling from a great height. The higher the height, the greater the impact when you hit the ground. Doing so could result in serious injury, or even death. However, "what would happen if I really did it?"... When you are overcome by that urge, you jump off without thinking of the consequences. That is the essence of committing a crime. Raymond tries to lead his characters, and the audience, to that state of mind.

The Vanishing (c) 1988, Argos Film, Golden Egg, Ingrid Productions, MGS Film, Movie Visions. Studiocanal All rights reserved.

I once heard this story from a sensible woman who has raised several children. Although she prefaced it by saying, "Of course, I would never do it," she said that when she is walking down the street and sees a small, unfamiliar child walking in front of her, she sometimes thinks to herself, "What would happen if I suddenly pushed this child into the road?" or "What would happen if I made him fall down the stairs?" There would be no benefit to doing such a thing, and there is a high possibility that she would be arrested and charged with a serious crime. However, it is precisely because it is an abnormal, cruel act that has no meaning that sometimes the urge to "try it" arises in an instant.

The difference between a person who commits a crime and a person who does not is not whether they are a good person or not, but whether they cross the line or not. And for us, the audience, who vaguely think, "I don't commit crimes because I'm a good person, because I'm normal," this is unsettling. Perhaps the only thing between us and criminals is a quick decision, and essentially it's a very thin line. And if there is an opportunity, we will always go to that side. This film, which depicts unexpected developments, places such eerie fear and anxiety in front of the audience. That is why this film can be said to be a truly terrifying work that goes beyond the boundaries of entertainment.

Speaking of creepy, this film begins with an inexplicable and creepy mystery. Before she disappeared, Saskia told us that a "golden egg" appeared in her dream. Rex, who is searching for her, also has a similar dream. What on earth is the golden egg? The truth is never clearly stated, but we hope that by watching the film, you, the reader, will find the answer.

Text: Kei Onodera

A film critic who wanders around and writes for web media and magazines, aiming to become a movie hermit. We will convey the "deep" content of the movie in an easy-to-understand manner from various angles.

Twitter: @kmovie

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"The Vanishing -Disappearance-"

Released nationwide from Friday, April 12, 2019, including Cinemart Shinjuku

Provided by: King Records

Distribution: Unplugged

Official site: http://thevanishing-movie.com/

(c) 1988, Argos Film, Golden Egg, Ingrid Productions, MGS Film, Movie Visions. Studiocanal All rights reserved.

*Information at the time of article publication in April 2019.