Satoshi Kon: The Illusionist

by Andrew Osmond

"Satoshi Kon makes an art of Japanese anime." —Rolling Stone

The head-spinning anime fantasy Paprika (2006) introduced new viewers to one of Japan's most visionary directors. Satoshi Kon crashed onto the world scene in 1997 with his smart slasher-thriller Perfect Blue. His subsequent films range from the silver-screen romance of Millennium Actress (2001) to the socially conscious comedy Tokyo Godfathers (2003) and the surreally satirical TV series Paranoia Agent (2004).

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the work and vision of Satoshi Kon, with background and analysis of the key reality-warping films by anime's premier illusionist. This timely new collection follows the 2007 US release of Kon's latest film, Paprika, which was met with an enthusiastic welcome from his fans. For many, Paprika was a first introduction to Kon's work; other fans have been following his career avidly from its early days. Satoshi Kon: The Illusionist will satisfy newcomers and long-term fans alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Film, Anime, Biography, Art, Japan, Manga

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Aglaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published a few years before Kon's death, Osmond offers a complimentary review and brief analysis of Kon's five major works: Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress, Tokyo Grandfathers, Paprika, and his one series Paranoia Agent. Osmond begins with a summary of Kon's life and career before tackling the works themselves. Each subsequent chapter addresses one of the works and is divided into three major parts: a description of the opening scene, a detailed synopsis of the work, and an analysis of the work. Additionally, each chapter contains a sidelist of "Points to Note." These notes contain interesting trivia for each work.

For those who have not personally seen Kon's works, Osmond provides a good review and introduction. His analysis looks at Kon's works as a whole and traces common themes and images. While not an in-depth analysis of technique, Osmond does an admirable job of offering interesting thoughts for a non-academic audience.

Also worth noting is Stone Bridge Press's format. Heavy, glossy paper does credit to the reproduced images. Included in each chapter is a script of a key scene for the discussed work. The inclusion of this helps reinforce how cinema must be interpreted into images from mere words.

All in all, I enjoyed this light read. At only about 125 pages, this can be read quickly and enjoyed for its revelry in Kon's accomplishments. As perhaps its highest compliment, it did make me want to see a few of the works I have missed so far.

[Ericka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good analysis of Kon's filmography. Would like to see an updated version now that Kon's early manga is available in English and Kon himself has passed on. Perhaps a new postscript about Kon's influence on the industry (if it's not too soon to be seen).

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent view of the work of anime director Satoshi Kon. The author teases out details in his summaries and analyses of Kon’s body of work. The presentation is good with many stills from the films and TV series. Written before Kon’s death, it has an optimistic view of where the director was headed, but with an eerily prescient quote in the postscript.

Unfortunately out of print, I hope that an update to this book comes out at some point. Kon’s work is being re-released and discovered by newcomers all the time.

[brightredglow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this whenever I've finished watching a Kon movie or something that reminds me of him like Kyousogiga. Whenever I read it, it reminds of what was lost but also what should be appreciated. In that sense, this book always satisfies.

[Lin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but not very edifying. If you are a Kon fan, then it is worth a read. Definitely helped me with some lost in translation aspects of Kon's films, but that is a minor issue with his movies.

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read the points of interest for the various movies and anime series that he created.

[Brendan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately he died last year ~