‘Rampo Noir’ Blu-ray Review

Stars: Tadanobu Asano, Ryuhei Matsuda, Mikako Ichikawa, Yuko Daike, Hanae Kan, Kaiji Moriyama, Tamaki Ogawa, Taro Suwa | Written by Atsushi Kaneko, Akio Satsukawa, Suguru Takeuchi, Shirô Yumeno | Directed by Suguru Takeuchi, Akio Jissoji, Hisayasu Sato, Atsushi Kaneko

Rampo Noir is a visually arresting anthology film that brings together four short stories inspired by the works of Japanese author Edogawa Rampo, often referred to as the Japanese Edgar Allan Poe. Directed by a quartet of filmmakers – Akio Jissoji, Atsushi Kaneko, Hisayasu Sato, and Suguru Takeuchi – each segment of the film delves into the macabre, surreal, and psychological depths of Rampo’s unsettling world.

The film’s strongest suit is undoubtedly its visual style. Every segment is meticulously crafted, offering a unique aesthetic that ranges from gothic elegance to nightmarish surrealism. The directors employ a variety of techniques—stark lighting contrasts, elaborate set designs, and experimental cinematography—that evoke a dreamlike and, at times, deeply unsettling atmosphere. Suguru Takeuchi’s segment, Caterpillar, is particularly noteworthy for its grotesque yet poignant exploration of human suffering and obsession, featuring Tadanobu Asano in a haunting performance.

Rampo Noir explores themes of desire, identity, and madness, often blurring the line between reality and hallucination. The tone is unrelentingly dark, with each story unravelling layers of human depravity and existential dread. While this cohesive bleakness enhances the anthology’s overall impact, it may prove overwhelming for viewers unaccustomed to such intensity.

The performances are as daring as the stories themselves. Tadanobu Asano, a staple of avant-garde Japanese cinema, stands out for his ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue. The rest of the cast, including Ryuhei Matsuda and Mikako Ichikawa, bring a blend of vulnerability and menace to their roles, perfectly complementing the film’s themes.

One of the film’s potential drawbacks is its inaccessibility. The fragmented storytelling and abstract narrative choices may alienate viewers seeking a more conventional cinematic experience. Additionally, the graphic and often disturbing imagery demands a strong stomach and a willingness to engage with the film on a symbolic level.

Rampo Noir is a bold and ambitious exploration of Edogawa Rampo’s twisted imagination, offering a feast for fans of experimental cinema and dark psychological tales. It’s not a film for everyone, but for those willing to embrace its eccentricities, it provides an unforgettable journey into the shadows of the human psyche.

Special Features:

• Brand new audio commentary by Japanese film experts Jasper Sharp and Alexander Zahlten
• Another World, a new interview with Suguru Takeuchi, director of Mars’s Canal
• A Moving Transformation, a new interview with Hisayasu Sato, director of Caterpillar
• Butterfly Queen, a new interview with Atsushi Kaneko, manga artist and director of Crawling Bugs
• Hall of Mirrors, a new interview with cinematographer Masao Nakabori about working with Akio Jissoji and Mirror Hell
• The Butterfly Effect, a new interview with Akiko Ashizawa, the cinematographer of Caterpillar
• Looking in the Mirror, a new interview with actor Yumi Yoshiyuki about Mirror Hell
• Archive stage greeting footage with the cast and directors from the Japanese premiere of Rampo Noir
• Crossing the Lens, a feature-length making-of documentary by Tatsuya Fukushima from 2006
• Image gallery
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Luke Insect
• Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Eugene Thacker and Seth Jacobowitz

**** 4/5

Rampo Noir is out now on ARROW Player and on Limited Edition Blu-ray.