"Nameless Day" Masatoshi Nagase Recently, it has become possible to see the movie scene from a bird's eye view [Actor's Interview Vol.14]

The film "Nameless Day" was directed by Hibi Yuichi, a photographer based in New York. The film is based on director Hibi's own experience, and the story begins with Tatsuya, a photographer living in New York, returning to Atsuta, Nagoya after receiving news of his younger brother's death. The protagonist, Tatsuya, is played by Nagase Masatoshi. There is a great significance in Nagase, who is also a photographer, playing Tatsuya.

Since his film debut in 1983, Nagase has been at the forefront for nearly 40 years, but he still receives offers to appear in films. As a leading actor and a supporting actor, Nagase Masatoshi is loved by many directors, but how does he usually approach films? We spoke to him in an exclusive interview.

Index

• Director Hibi's thoughts on why he decided to appear in the film
• Morning work that is painfully obvious
• I want to see the whole picture of the movie.
• Shinji Somai, Jim Jarmusch, Naomi Kawase
• Hopes for the future

Director Hibi's thoughts on why he decided to appear in the film

Q: You have a long career and have appeared in a considerable number of films, but are there any points that you consider when deciding to appear in a film?

Nagase: There are various patterns. I might be approached by a staff member I've worked with in the past and accept the role without hesitation, or the director might call me directly and ask me to do it.

But basically, I usually judge a role based on the script. I usually star in a role that I've read and haven't given up on, that is, that I've read all the way through to the end in one go. If I didn't give up on a role, it means that the whole script was interesting, so maybe I judge it from the perspective of an audience member.

Q: How did you come to star in this film?

Nagase: The deciding factor for me this time was Director Hibi's "feelings about the film." I decided to appear in the film after seeing how the director was trying to face his own past experiences through the film.

Morning work that is painfully obvious