I think my way of showing violence is unique from that of other filmmakers, in that when I show it, it hurts. It happens unexpectedly and looks painful. That's how it is in real life, and that's how it should be expressed. I don't glamorize it, nor do I depict it without necessity or inevitability.
Takeshi KitanoCinema is a composite art into which you can include all conceivable art or entertainment forms. In film, I can work with novelistic elements, comedy, drama, music, and other forms of entertainment. Film is a versatile expression, combining all elements into one art form.
Takeshi KitanoThe thing about art for me is that you can go on theorising your work forever, because it's open to interpretation.
Takeshi KitanoI don't really expect much from my life. So when I heard my films are premiering in film festival circuits I was glad of course but I thought it was lucky accident.
Takeshi KitanoI intentionally shoot violence to make the audience feel real pain. I have never and I will never shoot violence as if it's some kind of action video game.
Takeshi KitanoWhen people tell me I'm an artist, I say, 'What?' It's impossible for me to take the idea seriously.
Takeshi KitanoIn people's minds, I'm a comic, so it took a lot of time before I was recognized as a director. I had to be patient until the public accepted me. As a result, my early films didn't get a lot of attention. As a serious film actor, things didn't take off, either. Only my comic talents were recognized.
Takeshi Kitano