Yukio Mishima, a renowned author, was obsessed with the interplay between the body and art, alongside a yearning for an outdated nationalism. His dramatic coup attempt at the Japanese Ministry of Defense ended with his ritual suicide, Seppuku, on November 25, 1970. Filmmaker Paul Schrader adapted Mishima’s life into the 1985 film “Mishima – A Life in Four Chapters,” which explores his philosophical evolution and literary contributions, despite facing challenges in Japan due to its controversial themes.
The Tragic Legacy of Yukio Mishima
Yukio Mishima, a globally celebrated author, was fixated on the intricate relationship between the human body and art, alongside a longing for a nationalism that had become outdated. In a dramatic turn of events, he attempted a coup d’état at the Japanese Ministry of Defense, taking the chief commander of the Self-Defense Forces hostage and calling for the troops to assemble.
Before a gathering of 800 soldiers, Mishima delivered a compelling speech advocating for traditional Japan and the emperor. The audience, a mix of fear, fascination, and hostility, witnessed his impassioned plea. However, after a brief period, he withdrew. That fateful day, November 25, 1970, he concluded his life through Seppuku, a ritual suicide by disembowelment that dates back to the samurai era in Japan. This horrific end was the culmination of meticulous planning over several months, representing his ultimate artistic statement.
Exploring Mishima’s Life Through Film
Filmmaker Paul Schrader was drawn to Mishima’s narrative due to his previous work on Taxi Driver, which explored the concept of glorified suicide. In an interview, Schrader expressed his desire to depict a similar theme, but with a focus on a more complex character than a stereotypical American. His brother, who was teaching in Japan, introduced him to the captivating life of Yukio Mishima, a highly educated, openly gay writer known for his self-sacrificial ideals. However, bringing this film to life proved to be a challenging endeavor.
One significant hurdle was securing adequate funding, ultimately leading to the involvement of influential figures like Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas, who produced Mishima – A Life in Four Chapters. Released in 1985, the film features extensive flashbacks that delve into Mishima’s tumultuous life while weaving in references to his literary masterpieces, including The Temple of the Golden Pavilion and The Sea of Fertility, which are considered his literary legacy.
The ambitious project sought to unravel the complexities of Mishima’s thoughts and philosophical evolution through his novels, as Schrader aimed to distill his life into four distinct chapters. The film stands out for its unique narrative style and striking visuals, enhanced by the stunning cinematography of John Bailey and the exquisite costume design by Eiko Ishioka, who won an Oscar for her work on Dracula.
Adding to its allure is the mesmerizing score by Philip Glass, whose haunting compositions have left a lasting imprint on cinematic history. Glass’s collaboration with Schrader on Mishima is regarded as one of his most iconic works, featuring themes that have been repurposed in various films, including the poignant soundtrack for The Truman Show.
Despite its artistic acclaim, Mishima – A Life in Four Chapters faced challenges in Japan. Though it was included in the Tokyo International Film Festival in 1985, it was later withdrawn from the selection and has never officially premiered in Japan due to opposition from Mishima’s widow and right-wing groups concerned about the portrayal of his sexuality.
Paul Schrader reflected on the significance of this film in his career, stating, “This is the film thanks to which I will be remembered. As a screenwriter, it’s Taxi Driver. But as a director, it’s Mishima.” Now, it’s your turn to experience this extraordinary cinematic masterpiece.