Watch The Man Who Left His Will on Film

The film, The Man Who Left His Will on Film, directed by Nagisa Oshima, is a masterful exploration of identity, memory, and the human condition. The story follows a man named Yuke (played by Kazuo Goto), who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and chooses to document his final days on film. He invites his former lover Akiko (Sukio Fukuoka) and his friend Takashi (Kenichi Fukuda) to come and watch the footage with him, hoping to gain some closure before he passes away.

The film is divided into two distinct parts. The first half is a series of fragmented, impressionistic scenes shot in black and white that depict Yuke's memories of his past. We see glimpses of his childhood, his failed relationships, and his life as a struggling artist. The footage is often shaky and blurry, emphasizing the fleeting nature of memory and how it can distort the truth.

As the film progresses, we begin to see Yuke's mental and physical state deteriorating. He becomes more and more fixated on recapturing his past and understanding the choices that have led him to this moment. The second half of the film is shot in color and is more focused on the present. We see Yuke's relationship with Akiko and Takashi evolve as they watch the footage together and try to come to terms with their own mortality.

Throughout the film, Oshima uses a variety of formal techniques to convey the fragility of memory and the relationship between reality and perception. The use of black and white and color cinematography, jump cuts, and other experimental editing techniques create a fluid and dreamlike atmosphere that reflects the film's themes. The soundtrack, which consists of a haunting string score interspersed with sounds from Yuke's memories, also plays a crucial role in creating this atmosphere.

The performances in the film are excellent, particularly Goto's portrayal of Yuke. He brings a raw vulnerability to the role, conveying the intense emotions that come with facing one's own mortality. Fukuoka and Fukuda are also strong as Akiko and Takashi, providing a grounded counterpoint to Yuke's more abstract musings.

Overall, The Man Who Left His Will on Film is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking film that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through its challenging formal techniques and powerful performances, it creates an experience that is at once personal and universal. This is a must-see for fans of experimental cinema and anyone interested in exploring the nature of memory and identity.