This Day in Horror History: AUDITION Was Released in 1999
Just about every list you can find of the most disturbing movies ever made is likely to include Takashi Miike’s Audition. It’s the tale of a wealthy widower who stages fake TV auditions in order to scout out Wife #2. We’re introduced to Asami Yamazaki (played by Eihi Shiina), who appears to be meek, unassuming, and highly committed. It turns out she’s one of the most deranged female villains of the entire genre. If you’ve never seen Audition, give the film’s trailer a spin at the top of the article.
Synopsis:
This disturbing Japanese thriller follows Aoyama (Ryo Ishibashi), a widower who decides to start dating again. Aided by a film-producer friend (Jun Kunimura), Aoyama uses auditions for a fake production to function as a dating service. When Aoyama becomes intrigued by the withdrawn, gorgeous Asami (Eihi Shiina), they begin a relationship. However, he begins to realize that Asami isn’t as reserved as she appears to be, leading to gradually increased tension and a harrowing climax.
Trivia:
When the film was screened at the Rotterdam Film Festival in 2000, it had a record number of walkouts. At the Swiss premiere, someone passed out and needed emergency room attention. (Source)
Audition was released on March 3rd, 1999 and horror has never been the same. It’s a film that is still difficult to top when it comes to disturbing thrills.
Are you a fan of Audition? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
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