#stephennomuraschible

[cinematographstills]

RYUICHI SAKAMOTO: CODA (2018)

Directors of Photography: Tom Richmond, Neo Sora

Director: Stephen Nomura Schible

[doomonfilm]

Thoughts : Ryuichi Sakamoto - Coda (2017)

In musical terms, a coda is the concluding passage of a particular piece of music or movement within a series of musical compositions.  It is meant to fit onto the basic structure formed by the music previous to it, but more so in the format of an addition to the musical statement rather than a continuation of it.  In that respect, the documentary Ryuici Sakamoto : Coda is aptly titled, as it focuses on the twilight years of a composer with a rich history, a battle with cancer, a drive to continue creating, and a dedication to making sure the rights of his fellow humans are addressed.

Japanese-born composer Ryuichi Sakamoto reflects on his life, his works and ambitions from the perspective of 6 decades experience.  Sakamoto, recently diagnosed with cancer, takes stock of several aspects of his being and how they’ve transitioned over time.  From pop stardom in the late 1970s and 1980s, to top flight composer of award-winning and impactful films, to reflective elder exploring the limits of expression within his craft as well as his place within the world itself, Sakamoto constantly delves deep.  He hopes to leave at least one more musical work that will stand out... one that will test his creative limits while simultaneously representing his current location on the long strange trip he’s been on for a lifetime.

The inspirational vibes that surge throughout Coda are hard to ignore.  Sakamoto stands as a testament to the strength and will of the human creative spirit, and how it cannot be deterred by changes in time, culture, health, or even by disasters, if the person in possession of said spirit can stay driven and compelled to create.  After what many would consider an incredibly successful life and career, Sakamoto still manages to find new sources of inspiration that push him to continue to make work that shows growth... work he can be proud of... work that reflects his compelling thoughts... even at 60 plus years old, his ability to stretch his creative boundaries is not deterred, and the result is hauntingly beautiful music with non-traditional elements and methods of creating them.

The story of Sakamoto’s influences and musical trajectory is certainly a compelling one.  As an electronic pop star during the rise of the synthesizer era, technology was a big influence on his process.  Initially, he found it compelling how precise machines could be, essentially turning any novice with an idea and patience into a musician.  As he progressed, however, his influence started to come from the cracks in the machine, or the ‘space between the notes’ if you will.  As technology overtook society and Sakamoto aged, nature became his influence... its resilience and steadfast nature in the face of technology, the power that finds its source outside of the man-made realm... these ideas became influential in his approach to music, heavily informing the texture, tonality and creative process of his music.

Coda is a quiet film full of visually well composed slices of a passionate life.  When not focusing on archival footage or footage from films that Sakamoto has scored or is inspired by, most shot compositions focus on a balance of Sakamoto, his equipment, and some relative idea of the space he takes up in regards to his environment (or nature beckoning for him just outside the walls).  His focus is laser sharp as the camera rolls long takes on him, be it brushing his teeth, attempting to record the sound of rain, or simply contemplating on whatever thought is ruminating in his head, and the camera allows him the time and respect to do so without being intrusive.

As a subject, Sakamoto is intriguing.  Gone are his youthful brashness, his large mannerisms, and his fast paced attitude.  These aspects of his former self have been replaced by an individual the cherishes patience, meditation and observation.  Watching him speak on the lack of sustain in a piano, or the need to brush his teeth thoroughly as to not catch infection, are actions he is immersed fully within as he does them, allowing him a deeper understanding and ability to speak on them when he pleases.

I became aware of this film via my Victory Rewards membership through Alamo Drafthouse.  As a member, I was not only gifted an extended trial period of the Mubi streaming service, I was given access to view Ryuici Sakamoto : Coda essentially immediately following the conclusion of its theatrical run.  I am very happy for the opportunity to have seen this film, and I look forward to taking advantage of Mubi’s ever-rotating catalog, as well as more perks that come from my Victory Rewards membership.

[yanarchy072]

【ネタバレ注意‼️】 Ryuichi Sakamoto: CODA観た。 ・ 震災で津波をかぶったピアノを弾く教授。 「ピアノは人間の手作業で自然の物を加工して作る。加工された物は元は自然の物だから自然に帰ろうと反発する。だから、ピアノの音も狂う。人間だって同じ。テクノロジーが発達しても人間も狂う。TSUNAMI PIANOの音が好きだ。津波がピアノを自然に戻した。」と。 コレは決して非常識な言葉ではない。警告なのだ。 自然とテクノロジーは非対称。 「全世界の人間が同時に自殺できるくらいの核兵器を手に入れた人類。しかし、一度手に入れた物は手放せない！」と。 平和がなくなると音は消える。 ・ 消えない音。 終わらない音。 無限に続くと思いたい心。 「あの子も見るかな？」 「あの子はまだ教授のファンかな？」 そんな事を思いながら観た。 ・ #ryuichisakamotocoda #坂本龍一 #ryuichisakamoto #スティーブンノムラシブル #stephennomuraschible ・ #教授 #professor #最終楽章 #コーダ #coda ・ #ドキュメンタリー #documentary #映画 #movie #film #ビバムビ (恵比寿ガーデンシネマwithユナイテッドシネマ)