The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Review Request: Perfect Blue (1997)

How missed is the artistry of Satoshi Kon? This man was one of the greatest artists to grace the realm of anime. His filmography might not have been robust but those films he created were incredible. Each of them had incredibly rich animated expressions and complex stories with engaging characters. Millennium Actress. Tokyo Godfathers. Paprika. Each of these are incredible films that explore such an interesting variety of stories and perspectives. But it was Perfect Blue that grabbed the attention of audiences. This unnerving and haunting thriller packs so much into a film that is only 82 minutes. A pop singer turned actress becomes the victim of some intense and horrifying stalking…but it was never going to be that simple.

What does Perfect Blue offer from a visual standpoint? Kon’s film is downright gorgeous and haunting at the same time. The hand drawn animation is excellent for sure as Kon creates such a gorgeous looking world that falls victim to the darkness in humanity. The colors are so rich and impactful. The pink outfit of our protagonist, Mima, explodes onto screen every time with its vibrance. The chilling blues of the dark urban setting sets the tone perfectly for so much of this haunting tale. There are plenty of visually arresting moments as Mima’s sanity begins to fray over the course of the film. The pacing is slow burning but constantly filled with tension which propels this lean film forward. There is a constant haunting atmosphere that puts both Mima and the audience on edge with this terrifying figure constantly appearing in her view as well as this vibrant version of herself. Kon challenges his audience (and his protagonist) with what is reality and that becomes essential to the experience especially when the final act leans fully into the abstract. This makes these climactic elements of the film feel so haunting and unabashedly compelling.

Does Kon craft a compelling tale from Sadayuki Murai’s script (based on the novel by Yoshikazu Takeuchi)? Mima’s story is one that is so real and haunting. Celebrity is such a harrowing element of society as humanity has elevated certain people to a place that lifts them above all expectations of decency or personal freedom. Celebrities feel like modern gods in society’s eye and Kon explores a compelling story of when those who worship decide they will tear those gods down instead. Mima’s life is presented in a way that feels forfeited to the whims of those who love “her” (or at least this creation that they have pulled together. Whether it is her on stage with her pop group CHAM or on the set up of incredibly uncomfortable scenes in a film, Mima is subject to endless admiration, “love”, obsession, and harassment. The literal elements of the story are quite compelling as the identity of this stalker and murderer is revealed. The revelation is shocking, effective, and adds so many layers to the thematic work of the film. Kon navigates this revelation in such an engrossing way and gives way to a thrilling climax that will not only keep you guessing but also leave you with such a thrilling experience. Perfect Blue is a perfect concoction of mystery, abstract expression, and thriller.

Does the voice cast add to the overall experience that Kon has created? Junko Iwao is saddled with anchoring quite a bit of the emotional expression of the film as well as embodying the empathy of Mima. Iwao delivers a strong performance that adds plenty of layers to the experience. Her softer and higher pitched voice feels authentic to so many Japanese pop stars. You feel this charming and cute persona come to life for which so many ravenous fans have attached themselves. We also feel her fear and anxiety growing throughout the film as their stalking elements become more aggressive and impactful. We empathize with Mima so deeply due to the work of Iwao and what emotion she brings to Mima’s characterization. Then you also have Rica Matsumoto who brings Mima’s manager, Rumi, to life. A former pop star herself, there is a strong connection between these two women, and you can feel the care in Matsumoto’s performance. But her performance is much more complex and layered than that as the film evolves and the true nature of their connection comes to light. With these two powerful performers anchoring the film, the rest of the voice cast is perfect in bringing their supporting players to life as well.

How would you describe the experience of watching Perfect Blue? Haunting. Unnerving. Terrifying. Kon elicits all those feelings in such an impactful way. Perfect Blue explores uncomfortable elements of the human condition from our fascination and obsession with one another. Long before social media, Kon explores the para-social relationships we develop with the idols we hold up above all else. The violence, harassment, and power-struggles of the story rise from a possessive nature we have with the actions of complete strangers. The human mind can fray and morph in haunting ways that can lead to violence, hate, and destruction. We witness that on display in Perfect Blue. Kon was an auteur who understood that anime can stretch the bounds of reality and perspective, and he leveraged that perfectly for this masterpiece. Perfect Blue is not an easy 82 minutes…it is quite challenging on the contrary. This investment of your time is not a large one compared to most films, but the emotional and psychological investment is quite taxing yet ultimately so rewarding for those who give themselves to this haunting and arresting thriller. 

Special thanks to Jess Conto for nominating Perfect Blue (1997)!