Authenticity/Representation (was :Love & Pop)

[graham lincoln]

>
> First, while I have favorably reviewed several Harada films
> (Kamikaze Taxi,
> Bounce, Jubaku), I have slated several others (Gunhed, Painted Desert,
> Rowing Through). I thought the last three lame attempts to make
> "international" films with an "American" style and attitude -- and ending
> up with something as accurate and authentic as a 1950s rock'n'roll cafe in
> Shimokitazawa.



I don't know -  a 1950's rock and roll cafe in Shimokitazawa sounds like it
might have its own charm. Authenticity doesn't necessarily equate to quality
(and aren't Godzilla movies infinitely better than the American movies they
initially set out to imitate?). Although I take your point here - I happened
to make another stab at trying to watch 'Gunhed' the other day and gave up
after a few minutes, it has to be one of the worst Japanese film experiences
I've had.



 Not only Harada, but Japanese filmmakers in general find
> this cultural leap across the Pacific enormously difficult to make (the
> reverse is also true).

too true, and at least Japanese filmmakers seem to make an attempt at some
form of cross-cultural understanding, unlike American filmmakers (with the
honourable exception of Paul Schrader) who have little interest in doing
anything other than pandering to the worst stereotypes of the American
market where representations of Asian culture is concerned (usually
accompanied by a soundtrack of the song 'Turning Japanese' by The Nips)


Graham