Satoshi Kon: The Illusionist

by Andrew Osmond

"Satoshi Kon makes an art of Japanese anime."-- Rolling Stone The head-spinning anime fantasy Paprika (2006) introduced new viewers to one of Japan's most visionary directors. Satoshi Kon crashed onto... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1933330740
• ISBN13: 9781933330747
• Release Date: December 2009
• Publisher: Stone Bridge Press
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Welcome to the (un)real world

Satoshi Kon is somewhat of a rarity these days: a touted maker of anime who is also a respected filmmaker. Although his first major release in the US was 2007's "Paprika", he made three prior films: "Perfect Blue", "Millennium Actress", and "Tokyo Godfathers", as well as the 13-episode TV series "Paranoia Agent." All of them are different, and all of them are complex, but they are all undeniably Kon's. In this book, Andrew Osmond has done a fine job getting under the surface of these works. He devotes a chapter to each, examining its origins, followed by a plot synopsis and critical analysis. Each chapter also features sidebars full of additional interesting information; kind of like an extra commentary track. The book is full of quotes from Kon himself, taken from many sources, including interviews conducted by Osmond. Osmond also includes a brief biography of Kon, and chronicles his rise through the anime industry (this bit is also an interesting look at the industry itself). This book isn't a superficial highlight reel, but a serious and critical study of the psychology and history of Kon and his work. Osmond has obviously done his homework, making comparisons to characters and trends spanning all five of Kon's releases, as well as other anime. He has a clear understanding of what Kon is trying to say, and communicates his observations and theories in easy-to-follow, entertaining prose. While Osmond is clearly a fan of Kon and his work, he has no problem pointing out what he considers to be inconsistencies or shortcomings. He keeps his analysis objective, which makes it all the more valuable. The book is also quite up-to-date, mentioning Kon's next project, "The Dream Machine", currently scheduled for a 2010 release. This book is not for newcomers to Kon. It is rife with spoilers, and it must be noted that Kon's anime deals with adult subject matter, such as sex and violence (unlike directors like Miyazaki, none of Kon's current catalog is suitable for children). However, Osmond's book is a perfect and rewarding companion for those familiar with Kon, as well as those who want to learn more about this intriguing artist. The book is insightful, well-researched, and intelligent, while still being an entertaining read. Osmond deserves much credit for keeping the book moving swiftly, while not glossing over the complicated subjects of Kon's anime. Most of Kon's work deals with reality and how the perception of his characters affects that reality. Kon's characters are three-dimensional, and seem like real people despite being animated. Each of Kon's work is bursting with creativity, but for different reasons. Whether it's the shifting of reality in "Millennium Actress" and "Paprika", the antics of "Tokyo Godfathers", or the examination of the effects of guilt and identity in "Paranoia Agent" and "Perfect Blue", Kon examines what it means to be human with a flair that's quite unlike any other contemporary filmmaker. While it

A must for Kon fans

Satoshi Kon is easily one of my favorite filmmakers. He's one of the rare types that can tell any style of story and make it uniquely his. Andrew Osmond's book The Illusionist details this one of a kind filmmaker and his works. If you're not familiar with Kon's work you may want to rent some before reading, since much of this book is simply an in-depth dissection of his stories. The book is broken into 6 parts- one for Kon's early life and career and one for each of his films and TV series. Each work has a brief summary, a plot breakdown, a more detailed analysis and a sidebar of interesting facts. Personally, I would have liked more insight into Kon himself and less plot breakdowns of his films, all of which I've seen multiple times. There's not much of a point in this book catering to anyone but established fans, so you might as well not talk much about things people already know I at least would like to have seen pictures of Kon's actual drawings rather than just screen-caps and promo stills. I will say the book prompted me to rewatch Millennium Actress for the first time in quite a while as well as try to purchase the now hard to come by DVDs of Paranoia Agent. So even though I would have liked to see this book done differently, it has made me better appreciate one of my favorite filmmakers. So if you're already a big fan of Satoshi Kon, this book may be right up your alley.