On July 15th, it was revealed that Yuki Yamada Fujisawa, keyboardist of the three-person band " Mrs. Green Apple ," which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, will appear in the movie "Beethoven Fabrication" (directed by Kazuaki Seki, to be released on September 12th), which is written by Bakarhythm, stars Yuki Yamada, and co-stars Arata Furuta. This is the first time that Fujisawa will appear in a movie.
Fujisawa plays the role of Chopin, a genius pianist and composer known as the "poet of the piano." Regarding filming, he commented, "I was very nervous from the morning and came to the set without eating anything, but everyone was really warm and welcoming and I was able to act while having fun. I'm looking forward to the finished product and I'm looking forward to it with a pounding heart!"
This is a live-action film adaptation of Shiho Kagehara's historical non-fiction book "Beethoven Fabrication: A Famous Producer Lies" (Kawade Bunko). The film was shot in a virtual production using cutting-edge technology, with a 3DCG background displayed on a large LED display and the subject photographed in front of it, recreating the world of 19th century Vienna without leaving Japan. The film also makes generous use of Beethoven's masterpieces.
The theme of the film is the scandal of Schindler, Beethoven's secretary and posthumous biography writer, who significantly altered Beethoven's conversation book after he lost his hearing. The story follows the faithful secretary Schindler, played by Yamada, who is driven by a sense of duty to protect his idol, played by Furuta, and struggles to turn Beethoven, played by Furuta, from a "vulgar, dirty old man (truth)" into a "divine genius musician (lie)" after his death.
In addition to Fujisawa, Schubert, also known as the "king of song," will be played by Niihara Taisuke , who gained attention this year for his role in " Mikami Sensei " (TBS); Czerny, the composer and music educator famous for his etudes, will be played by Maehara Mizuki, who has appeared in the NHK Asadora; Wagner, one of Germany's leading opera composers of the 19th century and who composed the wedding chorus, a staple of weddings, will be played by Horii Arata; and Heine, the German writer, poet, literary critic, and journalist who had connections with many artists, will be played by Tsubokura Yoshiyuki, a member of the comedy trio "Wagaya."
A special video introducing Beethoven's masterpieces was also released. Starting with one of his most famous pieces, "Symphony No. 9 with Chorus," commonly known as the "Ninth," the video includes famous pieces that everyone knows, such as "Symphony No. 7," which has been used in many video works, "Für Elise," which is also famous as a piano piece, and "Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral," with its familiar melody, along with the main video.
The full comments from the five newly announced cast members are as follows:
◇Comment from Niihara Taisuke(role of Schubert)
I never thought that the day would come when I would play "that man looking sideways" Schubert, a character I saw in my music textbook when I was a student! And I couldn't hide my joy at being able to work with such a gorgeous cast. Now I just want to enjoy the finished film on a powerful screen. I hope everyone will look forward to it.
◇Comment from Mizuki Maehara (role of Cerny)
It's not often that you get to play a European in Beethoven's time, so I was excited and enjoyed it from the costume fitting to the filming. During filming, I had conversations with Beethoven (Furuta Arata) such as, "Where do you usually drink? Sancha (Sangenjaya)?" It was a very valuable experience to be able to spend time with those people from that time period in a wonderful costume and with wonderful art (LED display). I can't wait to see it with everyone.
◇Comment from Suzuka Fujisawa (role of Chopin)
I was surprised and humbled to be asked to appear in a movie for the first time without any experience in acting, but it was a great honor. As an artist who delivers music by playing musical instruments, I was very interested in playing a role, so I just wanted to do my best. There were a lot of extras on set, and I was very nervous about shooting with such a large number of people, but the lead actor, Yuki Yamada, talked to me in between scenes, and the director, Seki, gave me advice every time, so it was a very warm set. I'm glad I was able to make my first movie appearance surrounded by people who have been kind to me, including Bakarhythm. I love how Bakarhythm's works incorporate elements that make you laugh out loud into the casual atmosphere of everyday life. The scenes I appear in this film also have Bakarhythm's unique worldview, so I was very happy to be a part of that world.
◇Comment from Arata Horii (role of Wagner)
When I was approached about the role, I was happy because the producer was someone I've worked with a few times before, and I felt a sense of excitement that I had to do something I could. The setting during filming was old-time Europe, so the hairstyles and costumes were very charming and unique. I probably looked around more than most people during filming. The way Bakarhythm captures things from his unique perspective is interesting, and it's addictive. I finished reading the script in no time. I'd be happy to work with him again on something.
◇Comment from Tsubokura Yoshiyuki (voice of Heine)
After reading the script, I was impressed by Bakarhythm's script, which turns characters who may seem a little creepy or annoying at first glance into lovable characters that you can't hate. I was also excited by the star-studded cast, thinking, "What? That person is playing this role!" and "Wow! That person is playing this role!" I myself didn't see most of the other scenes during the day's filming, so I'm really looking forward to watching this film on the big screen at the cinema as an audience member.
