Kitano Takeshi

[john pusateri]

     I've been researching and rewatching Kitano Takeshi's movies lately 
(except _A Scene at the Sea_ which I've never been able to locate a copy 
of), and some questions have occurred to me.

     I realize Beat Takeshi is still primarily a television personality 
in Japan (as he made clear in his interview w/ Mark Schilling--thanks 
for the posting), but his rather antagonistic relationship with Japanese 
filmgoers strikes me as quite intriguing.  In particular, I'm thinking 
of the billboard and magazine ad he did with Wong Kar Wei which made 
this accusation: "Japanese films are popular everywhere in the world, 
except Japan."  With the huge international success of of _Hana Bi_ and 
_Sonatine_ the director must be commanding much more respect as a 
filmmaker in his home country, but I'm curious as to what degree.  I 
guess what I'm asking about is the nature of his celebrity status in 
Japan and how it interacts with his status as an international filmaker.  
(Sorry if that's a convoluted question.)

     My other question is a bit simpler.  I've never seen Japanese 
television (sorry for my ignorance), so I'm curious about the eight(?) 
shows Kitano Takeshi appears in (as host?).  What are these shows like?  
Is there any way for me to obtain some copies of a show or two?  

    Thank you very much for any help you can give me.

                                                    John Pusateri 


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