An absurd world with a cynical touch
In recent years, amid a boom in independently produced anime films such as "Ongaku" and "JUNK HEAD," a new masterpiece has been born. This is "Anonymous Life," the first feature-length film by rising star director Tatsuya Suzuki, whose short films have garnered attention at the Nakanoshima Film Festival and Pia Film Festival. The film was created by a single person, from conception to illustration and scriptwriting.
The story begins when a bullied boy living in a housing complex in Tohoku meets someone and decides to become an idol.
"I'm a big fan of idols, so I wanted to portray the perspective of a man who likes male idols. I was also intrigued by the idea of multiple personalities in names, so I started out making the story around the life story of a person whose name changes at various stages in life. In the end, the main theme became 'longevity' (laughs)."
Director Suzuki originally studied live-action film, but after making a GIF video for fun during the COVID-19 pandemic, he began self-studying animation. His method is unique.
"I drew the pictures first, and thought up the lines after the cast was decided. It's like writing the lyrics after creating the beat for rap."
His style weaves social issues such as the death of young people and war into his work, but the absurd world depicted with catchy movements and a cynical touch is somehow playful and humorous. Its surrealism is its greatest appeal.
"I love comedy, and in junior high school I used to take turns watching the Gaki no Tsukai DVD with my friends. So it's good for me to be a little silly. I think that's more 'redemptive'."
