The Cinema of Mamoru Oshii - by Dani Cavallaro (Paperback)

About the Book

"This book is an analytical survey of Oshii's cinematic works from the early years of his career through his 21st-century productions. The author examines Oshii productions in relation to the Carnivalesque movement, technopolitics and the director's post-robotic vision. Special emphasis is placed on Oshii's revolutionary film techniques. A complete filmography is included"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Today's animation is much more than kids' stuff. Increasingly complex subject matter has produced a corresponding increase in artistic interest, and forms once specific to certain cultures have crossed borders to enjoy international popularity. Japanese animation has been particularly successful in the United States, and among the most celebrated Japanese animation artists is director Mamoru Oshii.

This book is an analytical survey of Oshii's cinematic works from the early years of his career through his 21st-century productions, including Beautiful Dreamer and the acclaimed Ghost in the Shell. The author examines these and other Oshii productions in relation to the Carnivalesque movement, technopolitics and the director's post-robotic vision. Oshii's films are particularly significant in their defiance of the premises of Western animation and their presentation of a highly personal commentary on both individual and collective identities in the 20th and 21st centuries. Special emphasis is placed on Oshii's revolutionary film techniques, including the stylistically and thematically diverse features of productions ranging from animation to live action to Original Video Animation (OVA), a format Oshii invented. A complete filmography is included.

Review Quotes

"highly recommended"--Choice.

About the Author

The late Dani Cavallaro wrote widely about literature, cultural theory, and anime. She lived in London.