Mishima - A Life In Four Chapters (1985) - The Criterion Collection

Paul Schrader's dazzlingly unconventional biopic, with a celebrated score by Philip Glass. In this visually stunning, collagelike portrait of the acclaimed Japanese author and playwright Yukio Mishima (played by Vengeance Is Mine's KEN OGATA), PAUL SCHRADER (American Gigolo) investigates the inner turmoil and contradictions of a man who attempted the impossible task of finding harmony among self, art, and society. Taking place on Mishima's last day, when he famously committed public seppuku, the film is punctuated by extended flashbacks to the writer's life as well as by gloriously stylized evocations of his fictional works. With its rich cinematography by JOHN BAILEY, exquisite sets and costumes by EIKO ISHIOKA, and unforgettable, highly influential score by PHILIP GLASS, Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters is a tribute to its subject and a bold, investigative work of art in its own right.Features:DIRECTOR-APPROVED BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURESNew, restored 4K digital transfer of the director's cut, supervised and approved by director Paul Schrader and cinematographer John Bailey, with 2.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrackTwo optional English narrations, including one by actor Roy ScheiderAudio commentary from 2008 featuring Schrader and producer Alan PoulInterviews from 2007 and 2008 with Bailey, producers Tom Luddy and Mata Yamamoto, composer Philip Glass, and production designer Eiko IshiokaInterviews from 2008 with Mishima biographer John Nathan and friend Donald RichieAudio interview from 2008 with co-screenwriter Chieko SchraderInterview excerpt from 1966 featuring Mishima talking about writingThe Strange Case of Yukio Mishima, a 55-minute documentary from 1985 about the authorTrailerPLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Kevin Jackson, a piece on the film's censorship in Japan, and photographs of Ishioka's sets