【第１弾】「平山という男は、どこから来たのか」ヴィム・ヴェンダース監督ロングインタビュー_『PERFECT DAYS』

Summary

The speaker reflects on the character of Hirayama, a man who transforms from a wealthy, dissatisfied businessman into a simple, content person devoted to cleaning public spaces. This transformation is inspired by a moment of realization through light and nature, leading Hirayama to embrace a monk-like existence of service, reverence, and simplicity. The actor portraying Hirayama draws inspiration from Leonard Cohen's time in a Zen monastery. The story highlights themes of self-discovery, the beauty of light and nature, and finding fulfillment in a humble, purposeful life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker first noticed 'Kushu' in a film and was impressed by his lightness and acting abilities.
• 🎬 'Hirama,' the character, slowly revealed himself through the script, particularly through his connection to cleaning toilets and sacred places.
• 🏯 The locations in the film, including architectural marvels, played a key role in shaping the character of Hirama.
• 🧘 The character Hirama was compared to a monk, and this monk-like quality became central to his identity.
• 🎤 Leonard Cohen, who spent time in a Zen monastery and performed humble tasks like cleaning, was an inspiration for Hirama's character development.
• 💡 The turning point in Hirama's life occurred when he experienced a deep existential realization about light and nature, leading him to give up his materialistic lifestyle.
• 🌳 Hirama became content with a simple life, appreciating light, trees, and solitude, which gave him happiness and purpose.
• 📷 Photography, for Hirama, became a form of gratitude and reverence toward the light and nature, making it an important part of his new life.
• 🙏 Hirama's transition from a successful businessman to a humble person dedicated to service and simplicity mirrored a monk-like existence, though he didn't consciously view it that way.
• 😌 The actor 'Koi' who portrayed Hirama fully embodied the character, particularly in how Hirama looked at the world with love and respect, emphasizing Hirama's transformation.

Q & A

Who is the actor referenced in the script, initially noticed for his lightness of being?

The actor referenced is Kushu, who impressed the speaker with his lightness of being when the speaker first saw him in a dance film.

How did the character of Hirama begin to take shape in the mind of the speaker?

Hirama began to take shape when the speaker, together with Kumasan, envisioned a story about a man dedicated to maintaining beautiful architectural marvels and public spaces, which led them to gradually define Hirama’s personality.

What unique quality did the speaker attribute to Hirama based on a description given by Kumasan?

Kumasan described Hirama as having 'monk-like' eyes, which made the speaker envision him as a gentle person with the qualities of a monk, someone who found peace and fulfillment in service.

How did Leonard Cohen influence the creation of Hirama's character?

The speaker imagined Leonard Cohen’s face and story when first thinking about Hirama. Cohen had lived as a monk for 10 years and had performed humble tasks like cleaning toilets. This story inspired the speaker's vision of Hirama.

What turning point did the speaker imagine for Hirama's life?

The turning point in Hirama’s life came when, as a successful but unfulfilled businessman, he woke up in a hotel room and was struck by the beauty of a ray of sunlight. This existential moment made him realize his uniqueness and led him to abandon his old life for a simpler, more fulfilling one.

What symbolic significance does light hold for Hirama?

Light symbolizes a path to a different life for Hirama. He experiences a moment of profound realization when he sees light coming through leaves, which makes him aware of his uniqueness and sets him on a journey to a simpler, more meaningful existence.

What profession does Hirama take up after abandoning his business career, and why?

Hirama becomes the guardian of public toilets in parks, a job that allows him to work alone, surrounded by trees and light, which bring him joy and a sense of purpose.

How does photography play a role in Hirama's life?

Photography becomes a way for Hirama to express reverence for light and trees. He starts taking pictures to capture the beauty of light and nature, making photography an act of gratitude.

How does Hirama's view of people evolve as he embraces his new life?

As Hirama accepts his uniqueness, he extends the same respect to others. He begins to truly see people, especially those society overlooks, such as the homeless, and treats them with dignity.

What recurring theme connects Hirama to the speaker’s previous work with angels in 'Wings of Desire'?

The recurring theme is the way characters look at the world with love and respect. Just as the angels in 'Wings of Desire' saw and loved people, Hirama looks at nature and people with the same loving and respectful gaze.