Perfect Blue is a 90’s anime directed by Satoshi Kon. It explores the destructive nature of idol culture within a contemporary Japanese setting. Perfect Blue follows the story of a young Idol Mima Kirigoe and her transition into becoming an actor, and the chaos that follows because of her self doubt of her own image. So much so that it becomes a fractured element of her own reality and see begins to see a double ‘perfect’ version of her.

How, though am I intrigued by Perfect Blue? In my opinion it is how it explores the loss and fracture of ones identity, and the way it expresses it within a very real contemporary setting, yet Kon is able to blend it in with his surreal, dream-like style.

Editing and framing within the anime is of a very high standard. https://youtu.be/4I0CpyCpt-I?t=1548, this scene is one of my favourite transitions in the anime as it so seeming-less, yet leaves a very cool surreal moment, like she is being ‘watched’ which is one of the whole auras of the film. Another fantastic edit is https://youtu.be/4I0CpyCpt-I?t=1634

In that scene, it takes us to many different places in a such a way that we don’t even notice which point of reality she is in. Especially the part of the film within a film, which is such an amazing way to add a lot more depth to the already mind-bending plot. It suggests this fracture in such a way because of the element of loss and confusion. The viewer can see the two mental states being built up. She wants to become an actor, but knows leaving her storied career as a idol is more of a impact. As well as that, if acting doesn’t pan out, then she will receive critiscim from her fanbase. In contemporary Japan, Idol fans are seen as very involved and active in their following of said idol. If an idol does something radical, in the sense of what Mima is, then they will criticize her heavily. It is this burden, that begins to unravel this fractured identity within Mima’s persona. With the double representing the ego of ‘perfect’ self.

Ultimately the message of Perfect Blue highlight a lot about a contemporary identity fracture we all have today. The online persona we all have. Are we really all ourselves? With the advent of technology it is easy to lose sight of who we truly are, and it is that which is propose within the creation of my own short film. Are we truly ourselves?

On a final note I want to briefly mention Arronofsky and the correlations between his films, which I have looked at and am a fan of. Black swan in particular is very similar in terms of its fractured identity theme and aesthetics when compared to that of Perfect Blue. There is also the infamous bath scene. I remember reading somewhere, a fan of Aronofsky’s sent him a bootlegged VHS of Perfect blue after he finished Pi in 1997. Aronofsky was so mesmerized by the film that he eventually bought the rights to it. He even met up with Satoshi Kon to discuss a possible live action adaption, which Perfect Blue was supposed to be, but was cut due to a earthquake, which in turn slashed the budget and instead they opted for a animated version due to the budget cuts. Ultimately when Kon passed away I feel like Aronofsky made Black Swan as a tribute to his filmography and Perfect Blue.