Re Hibari film title

[Bernardi-Buralli]

Thanks to the responses in answer to my Misora Hibari title query. The
approach I'm most comfortable with is along the lines of what was mentioned.
It's common sense to start by researching whether or not the title has ever
been translated before, regardless how obscure I might think that reference
is. In this case, I checked with individual's who had worked on HIbari,
references (i.e., my copy of Stephen Cremin's reference), online databases,
Kinejapan, articles on Hibari in English, lots of various configurations of
googling, no results.

After that point, though, I think the path I take depends on the purpose of
the translation. If I were doing the research on the topic myself, I'd
presumably be familiar with contemporary sources (reviews, articles etc) and
scholarship, both in Japanese, English and other languages, and would take
any previous translation of the title in those sources into account. In this
case, the translation is for the English title of an article in Japanese on
the restoration of a print of the film, and it is doubtful this particular
1950 film has been widely seen in recent decades, if at all (according to
the scholar involved in the restoration).

I'm not familiar with the film other than Japanese language references to it
as a representative Misora Hibari title. This put me at a disadvantage, but
taking the literal meaning of the name of Misora (beautiful skies, clear
skies) Hibari (skylark) into account (from what I understand the title is a
reference to her), I gave my friend the two options that seemed most
appropriate given what I know: "Angel (tenshi) in Blue Skies (Aozora)" or
"Angel of Blue Skies." He chose "Angel in Blue Skies."

For the record, I don't think there's any need for anyone to adhere to this
translation (people more familiar with Hibari's work might come up with
something different), but if it is kept and applied to a restored print with
subs, then it would be good for the sake of clarity to at least reference it
(footnote OK) if someone (me included) comes up with something they think is
more appropriate. I think that with prints turning up the way they do, and
scholarship building upon scholarship, everything we do is only one part of
a larger picture that is in constant process.

I usually find the footnote route works best for me in explaining details of
my choice of English language title if it differs from what has been used
before.

thanks,

Joanne

Joanne Bernardi
U of Rochester





> From: j.izbicki at att.net
> Reply-To: KineJapan at lists.acs.ohio-state.edu
> Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2003 18:02:39 +0000
> To: KineJapan at lists.acs.ohio-state.edu
> Subject: Re Hibari film title
> 
> Re Markus' comment "My current thought is to junk the old ones I
> dislike---noting the change, of course---and (arrogantly?) assuming my
> book-length study can shoulder the old titles out and set new precidents.
> 
> I think that is a good way to go.  His book will carry the weight of authority
> and I see no problem in asserting new translations if they more effectively
> convey something about the film than the original translated title did.  This
> is not to say, as Aaron has indicated, that any and all previous translations
> can just be ignored.  Markus's intent to "take careful note of the various
> titles "gracing" the films (especially if accompanied by historiographic
> context)" is critical if a shift in the titles used is to be accomplished
> responsibly.  Since many of you in Markus' and Aaron's 'generation' of film
> theorists/writers are greatly expanding the critical context (not to mention
> just plain basic info) of Japanese film studies, I think you should go with
> what in my opinion is your justified authority to effect a shift in these
> aspects. At the same time, we and future scholars & other afficianados need an
> index that can reference various titles for each film.
> 
> On the other hand, part of me wants to say 'Play! Play!'--why be bound by
> strict conventions of translation?  But in the interest of consistency and
> order, I say shift the translations where appropriate and reference the
> previous translations.
> 
> And as Stepen pointed out, English translations are just part of the problem.
> What are scholars doing for Korean, Chinese, French, Italian, etc., etc.?
> 
> By the way, HAS anyone found an English translation for the Hibari film?
> 
> Best,
> Joanne