Only after I had watched this fascinating and powerful film did I realise this was the 'Tetsuo' man. I have yet to see any of the more well known ones but will certainly now pluck up the courage to investigate. Generally considered to be atypical of his work his cinematic eye and confidence are nevertheless all too apparent. Sometimes a little confusing but always compelling. Difficult to describe in a few words and whilst I can understand it being referred to as the director's only venture into erotic cinema, that is in itself rather misleading. It is true that the, tremendously well played, leading lady's sexuality is central to the film's theme but Tsukamoto takes us well beyond this. In fact half way through the film lurches to give us a totally different angle on the main protagonist's lives and we temporarily struggle, as do they, to catch up with events. Shot in a magical, bluish black and white this is a mighty cinematic achievement that must be seen again - soon!
Review of A Snake of June
