A new image of the family for the new era realized through rental
After reading the script for this film, Taira felt that it was a script that could only be written by someone who knows both Japan and America, and so he applied for the audition.
"It's not just about the family's 'tear-jerking' circumstances, but also about the slightly dry feel that's typical of Americans. I found it persuasive that the story isn't driven by emotion, but rather by a bird's-eye view and the way it drives the reader through the story. I was also drawn to the fact that many of the characters are outcasts from society."
Actors' performances and roles in society, and the layered "acting" in the story
"The main character, Philip (Brendan Fraser), is a struggling actor who is going through a midlife crisis, and so is Tada, the character I played. Director HIKARI says he's "a chameleon-like man."
He's both a businessman and an actor, and although he seems to be doing well in life, he's actually not facing himself. In fact, Tada had a story that went even deeper than that. It had to be cut, much to my regret (laughs).
In this way, other people have their own lives too. As the story progresses, the line between acting and reality becomes increasingly blurred, which is what makes this story so interesting."
The "roles" that people have to take on in society, such as occupations and attributes, and the "characters" that we play as actors, made me think about which is our true selves, and whether acting (lying) is really a bad thing.
At a time when people are reexamining their views of family, this film can further update our image of family. "Family is said to have three elements: earth, blood, and knowledge. After watching this film, I want to think about new connections that go beyond those three. I think this is that kind of film."
