I was shocked and deflated at the news of famed animator and film director Satoshi Kon's death. He was 46 and died from pancreatic cancer. While there are many people on this forum who find enjoyment and enlightenment in so many animated features from Japan, there are very few such productions that have done so for me. The films and single television series that were products of Kon's brilliance were artistic marvels that have hung with me long after I viewed them.
If you are not familiar with his work, Kon directed "Perfect Blue" "Millennium Actress" "Tokyo Godfathers" and "Paprika" as well as the series "Paranoia Agent". All of these were amazing and I heartily recommend them.
Satoshi Kon blended traditional Anime elements with uniquely artistic and social themes. His work was evocative of the surrealist movement and were elegantly critical of modern Japanese culture and society.
I am saddened to tears to see that the man has passed. Any words for the deceased or thoughts about his work are appreciated.
What terrible news... I remember watching Perfect Blue long ago and then on anticipating his future works. Satoshi's character designs were always easy on the eyes and the animation a pleasure to watch. If I had to pick one, Millennium Actress is my most memorable and favourite of his movies. Oddly enough I haven't seen Paprika and a friend bought the DVD recently, I should get on that.
Wasn't he working on something new? I hope they manage to finish and do his vision justice. Rest in peace..
Man that really sucks. Perfect Blue is one of the few animes I really enjoyed, it almost had a Pi like feeling for me with the pacing and surrealism. RIP Satoshi.
I watched Millenium Actress the night I heard he died....amazing film. I saw Paranoia Agent a while back too, also great and truly original for an anime.
This is tragic. I'm so upset by this... In fact, this ruined my morning. All of his work was brilliant. I loved Paranoia Agent and Paprika.
I just hope Susumu Hirasawa ends up being alive for a long time... He's a great composer and I love his music in Paprika and Paranoia Agent as well. He's part of what made them great for me.
Don't know who is interested, but a translated copy of Satoshi Kon's final letter to be read after his death is up on the internet in some blogs.
It's a long but interesting read, especially his relationship with Madhouse. There is also mentioning of his incomplete work "Dream Machines" (english title).
I'm currently at work so I don't know where to look for this atm.
On August 26 2010 23:36 Loli wrote: Don't know who is interested, but a translated copy of Satoshi Kon's final letter to be read after his death is up on the internet in some blogs.
It's a long but interesting read, especially his relationship with Madhouse. There is also mentioning of his incomplete work "Dream Machines" (english title).
I'm currently at work so I don't know where to look for this atm.
I'd really appreciate you posting the link here when you can. My Japanese is like a mentally undeveloped child so I couldn't have a crack at it. I actually saved the link hoping that I would be able to understand it one day.
For those who don't know, apparently he posted a goodbye blog knowing his death was imminent. I'd really like to see it in English.
Thank you so much. It was so human and visceral. I'm crying just reading it. Too see a man so close to death say such things... He's so earnest, bearing himself at a moment of such vulnerability...
EPT
