Hausu! 

Image via Mubi.com Movie Poster of the Week: "Hausu"

Friday night we watched an incredibly campy, and well, almost indescribable Japanese art horror movie called "House" (or "Hausu") from 1977. The effects are sometimes absurd, sometimes sublimely beautiful. I have to admit my hopes weren't high going in especially as my main reason for wanting to see it was the great poster seen above. But, you know, it was pretty amazing. After watching some of the DVD extras it became clear to me that Japanese pop culture isn't that crazy but the director, Obayashi was, and he, and other artists like him became highly influential in Japanese main stream through films and advertising. Turns out this was the same guy who directed Charles Bronson in some memorable "Mandom" commercials which, like "House" have to be seen to be believed.



I feel I understand the Japanese psyche better now. Or not. Maybe I understand it less but it's still fun to watch.