“You think I’m an enchantress, don’t you?”Talking About Kenji Mizoguchi’s Ugetsu with our guest, production designer Yôhei TanedaIn this episode of Movies We Like, we are thrilled to have production designer Yôhei Taneda join us to discuss his fascinating career and one of his favorite films, Kenji Mizoguchi's 1953 classic,
Ugetsu. Taneda shares his journey into the world of production design, from his early days as an art student to his experiences working on both Japanese and American films, such as
Kill Bill: Volume 1,
The Hateful Eight, the
Monster Hunt films,
The Flowers of War, and
When Marnie Was There.
Throughout the episode, Taneda offers unique insights into the art of production design, discussing the intricacies of creating immersive worlds for both live-action and animated films. He delves into the challenges of balancing the director's vision with his own artistic sensibilities, and the importance of collaborating with other departments to create a cohesive visual experience.
As the conversation turns to
Ugetsu, Taneda explores the film's haunting aesthetic and the ways in which Mizoguchi's use of space and design elements contribute to its ghostly atmosphere. He draws comparisons between
Ugetsu and other Japanese films of the era, highlighting the symbolic significance of water and the influence of Noh theater on the film's visual style.
Ugetsu remains a timeless masterpiece, a testament to Mizoguchi's artistic vision and the power of cinema to transport audiences to otherworldly realms. Taneda's passion for the film and his deep appreciation for its craft make for a captivating discussion that will leave listeners eager to revisit this haunting classic. We had a wonderful time delving into the artistry behind Ugetsu and exploring Taneda's remarkable career in production design.
A very special thanks to Hiroshi Tominaga for being our translator for this episode!
Film SundriesMore About Yôhei TanedaFor the past two decades, Yôhei Taneda has collaborated with filmmakers from across the globe, amassing an impressive list of accolades and credits, including
Kill Bill: Vol. I with Quentin Tarantino,
Flowers of War with Zhang Yimou, and the animated
Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence with Mamoru Oshii. For
The Flowers of War, an epic film about the Nanjing...
