Adachi & 9.11

[Jasper Sharp]

> I'm not familiar with Adachi Masao's life- could anyone fill me in on his
> background, if they have the time? I'd really appreciate it.


In a very brief nutshell, though there's plenty out there that can do it
better than I, he was a collaborator with Wakamatsu in the 60s, mainly
acting in a scriptwriting capacity (under the pseudonym Deguchi Deru ie.
"Out the door). He also directed a number of films himself, including HIGH
SCHOOL GIRL GUERILLA (vaguely reminiscent of a pink version of Lindsey
Anderson's IF, and recently released on DVD in Japan by Uplink) and the
bizarre, mesmeric 15 YEAR OLD PROSTITUTE.From what I've seen of his work,
it's got a lot more sense of humour than Wakamatsu, and I for one would love
to see it brought to a wider audience. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I think
he also collaborated with Nagisa Oshima at some point in the 60s - I think
on PLEASURES OF THE FLESH.
Like most of his associates in the 60s underground, he was heavily involved
in revolutionary politics, largely of an anti-American nature, and went to
Palestine to shoot a documentary. I guess he must have hung around a little
too long, because he ended up spending the next 25 years there, in prison.
Sorry, I'm a little sketchy on some of the details, but it will give you a
basic idea of his background.

Regards,

Jasper Sharp

Midnight Eye: The Latest and Best in Japanese Cinema
www.midnighteye.com