Double Suicide (1969)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Double Suicide (1969) – M. Shinoda

This is Masahiro Shinoda’s high concept staging of a bunraku puppet show with actors instead of dolls (but retaining the figures in black who control everything).  The result is as highly stylized as you would imagine and starkly shot in high contrast black and white with Toru Takemitsu’s minimalist score aiding in the effect.  Based on a tale of doomed lovers by Chikamatsu (also a favourite of Mizoguchi’s), the plot sees Jihei the paper merchant and Koharu the courtesan drawn inexorably to the fate announced in the title of the film.  Even knowing what will happen, it is impossible to look away.  Jihei’s wife and two children are also dragged into the drama (as are his brother and her father).  Everybody is so wrong-headed but erotic compulsion cannot be denied.  The poor puppeteers in black can only look on in sympathy and horror (even as they occasionally assist the players); this adds another odd layer to the proceedings. The only other Shinoda film I’ve seen is Pale Flower (1964), a striking yakuza drama that is well worth your time.

 

  
Double Suicide (1969) [Trailer] from Art Theatre Guild on Vimeo.