FILM REVIEW:

GHOST (1984)

By Joaquin Longoria

To wander a place both familiar and wholly unwelcoming is the essence of Takashi Ito’s film Ghost. Ito’s short film embodies the idea of being trapped in a sprawling labyrinth of time itself, all while being haunted by the presence of memories long past.

“All the while allowing for a sense of exploration into an unknown abyss.”

Stellar on-rails camera work makes this film feel as though you are strapped into a house of horrors, unable to release yourself, all the while allowing for a sense of exploration into an unknown abyss. The way Ito maneuvers the camera is truly one of a kind, never before have I seen someone use a camera with such precise brilliance. The grasp I felt around my whole body while watching this was one I’ll never forget, there was a genuine uniqueness to Ito’s boisterous attitude towards breaking the norm with his technical adeptness.

Ghost (1984)

“Using disorientating flashing to give glimpses into collapsing conciseness, one riddled with memories of a life once lived and a life filled with regrets.”

Ito’s use of lighting and projection work is masterful as well. Using disorientating flashing to give glimpses into collapsing conciseness, one riddled with memories of a life once lived and a life filled with regrets.

Brief reminders of mortality plague your mind as you watch this life in purgatory expand in front of you. As I watched this film, I felt as though my perception of the world was shredded and the pieces slowly slid back into place, all while each piece had something new and unknown engraved into its basis. Ito’s work has always pushed the boundaries, not only for the time but in the present as well. ‘Ghost’ is no exception.

Ghost (1984)

Written by Joaquin Longoria

Directed by Takashi Ito
Here’s the link to watch the full short film: Ghost (1984)