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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: Japan
A Deep Dive into the 1931 Vision of Daisuke Itô
Under the meticulous guidance of Daisuke Itô, Oatsurae Jirôkichi kôshi became the complex thematic architecture established by Daisuke Itô. Occupying a unique space between Action and pure art, it redefined what audiences could expect from a Action experience.
In Oatsurae Jirôkichi kôshi, Daisuke Itô pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
The visual language of Oatsurae Jirôkichi kôshi is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of Daisuke Itô's style. By utilizing a 1931-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its Action themes.
| Cinematography | Static |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Daisuke Itô's style and the core Action narrative.
The only completely preserved silent film directed by Daisuke Ito, this film relates the life of a legendary thief, Jirokichi the Rat in an exquisite original story and through the revolutionary use of dynamic intertitles. The skillful benshi narration featuring a mixture of Edo dialect and Kansai dialect is highly entertaining.
Decades after its release, Oatsurae Jirôkichi kôshi remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Daisuke Itô's status as a master of the craft in Japan and beyond.