"Oliver's Dog (Gosh!!) This Yarrow" Season 2 Director Joe Odagiri What kind of direction is possible only because he is an actor? [Director's Interview Vol.246]

Directions that are only possible as actors

Q: Since you are an actor yourself, do you have any direction or acting guidance that you can provide? What did you talk about with the actors?

Odagiri: As I said, there are only good actors in this field (lol). There are people here who can read the script properly, and there are no people who get the wrong idea. That's why it's almost as if the directing has already been completed at the time of casting, and there's nothing more to do on set. Even in rehearsals, I don't tell the actors anything in particular and ask them to do something, but it's rare for them to do something completely different.

Of course, since this is a script that I wrote, I have a clear idea of ​​what I want it to be, but if I start making small adjustments here, the play will be swayed by that. I ended up just following what the director told me to do. If that happens, it will only take you away from a good play. Based on my experience as an actor, I don't want to do that. However, this time, I added a detailed acting to Mr. Aso. Urushibara, played by Mr. Aso, is a role that will make you laugh, and I am well aware of his high level of ability, so I know how much he can say. The other people were only able to convey the nuances without restricting the freedom of the play.

It also depends on the actor's personality. Some people are better off not explaining things at all, while others are better off being explained in detail. For some people, it's better to say, ``I'm watching you.'' I can understand that because I'm an actor, but that's both good and bad. You can get a feel for what the actors are thinking about, such as what they want to do now, things like, ``Oh, I think things are going well for me right now'' (lol), and ``I don't think I want to do one-takes anymore.'' It's difficult for me as a director because I understand everything.

Drama 10 “Oliver Inu, (Gosh!!) This Yarrow” Season 2 Copyright NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.

Q: I see. On the contrary, it's difficult.

Odagiri: Yes. He doesn't like it, but as a director, I'd like him to do it one more time. I have to think about how to get them to do it one more time without losing their excitement, and how to say that. It's difficult because I know how you feel. On the other hand, there are times when you might say, ``Wow, (he) thinks he's doing great, but he's not doing it at all!'' (lol), so you have to kindly change direction in that regard as well. I understand, but it's a pain.

Q: As an actor, Mr. Odagiri has worked with a considerable number of directors, and they all make interesting films, from young actors to masters. Do you use what you learned from that experience when you direct?

Odagiri: No, I think it's all thanks to that. I don't know how many people I've seen in the field, but I've seen each person's methodology and style up close, so I think I've brought together the best parts of many different people. But on the other hand, I can also see the bad points. That's why I tried not to accept such things (lol). Thanks to you, I have learned a lot from the directors I have worked with. However, I wasn't taught anything about the script or editing, so it's all up to me.

Shooting method based on editing