Continuation of interview (1). The second chapter of the completely new theatrical version trilogy "Mononoke the Movie," based on the popular TV anime "Mononoke," which aired on Fuji TV's late-night anime slot "Noitamina" in 2007, "Mononoke the Movie: Chapter 2: Fire Rat," was released on March 14th. The first chapter, "Karakasa," which was released in July 2024, also had a running time of about 90 minutes and about 2,600 cuts, which is twice the number of cuts of a normal anime of the same length, and became a hot topic for its overwhelming visual expression. We asked General Director Nakamura Kenji, who is trying to create a new "Mononoke" in the new theatrical version, about his particular attention to detail.
◇ Be conscious of global “colors”
Director Nakamura and other staff members say that they are taking on challenging challenges in terms of "color" in the new movie.
"First of all, we increased the saturation. The reason is that we received a lot of feedback from some overseas people who saw the TV version of 'Mononoke' saying that 'the colors are dull.' We investigated why this was, and found that eye sensors and the way people perceive color are different depending on race. It's not a matter of what people consider beautiful, but rather that the eye's ability to perceive color differs depending on race. So even if we think we're making something flashy with a Japanese sensibility, it can end up being perceived as 'dull.'"
From there, Director Nakamura listened to the ideas of designers who work on public design and tried to incorporate them into the production.
"For example, people in this region may perceive this color as justice, and this color as evil. That's completely different in Asia and North America. This time, I think it's been made in a way that's easier for North Americans to watch. Because the work will be distributed worldwide, we're making experimental adjustments in that regard," he said, adding that he is conscious of using "colors" with a global perspective.
◇ "Mononoke the Movie" is a box office success that goes beyond the film, stimulating both the mind and the heart
They are also attempting the kind of "extreme tuning" that is unique to films shown in movie theaters.
"It's not just about movies, it's about show business. I make them with the same awareness as professional wrestling, sports matches, or even attractions at a theme park. Movie theaters are a unique time and space where you go out, turn off your smartphone, and concentrate on one thing, something that's rare for people today. So even for people who don't need to go to the theater because there's streaming, I want to provide the value and experience of 'it's more fun to see it in the theater.'"
When it comes to the camerawork, he paid particular attention to "guiding the viewer's eye so that they feel as if they are riding on an attraction, or flying with the camera."
"Also, because it's Cinemascope size, I wanted to create a sense of immersion by filling the 110 to 120 degrees to the left and right that humans can perceive. It's like pressing on the brain and the heart with pictures and drama at the same time. I was conscious of this when considering the screen layout."
Director Nakamura said, "I want to create something that will not deteriorate with the times, so I place more importance on universality than on the direction of trends. I want to make something that can be enjoyed for a long time, slowly." "Mononoke the Movie" stimulates both the brain and the heart. I want to enjoy the unique expression of the movie version.
