Perfect Blue
Satoshi Kon's (mastermind by the way)- 'Perfect Blue' (1997)
A film that blurs the lines between illusion and reality seamlessly while exposing the hidden face of identity and fame.
What struck me the most about this film is the complexity of layers, there are so many hidden messages and symbols within this and for that reason, I will DEFINITELYY be watching this again.
Mima's decision her career as a pop idol to pursue her dreams of becoming a renowed actress isn't just about hallucinations but also reflects the exploitation of women working in the film industry. Several scenes in this movie depict this. An example is where she plays the role of Yoko in the movie 'Double Bind', which eerily mirrors her real-life experiences. This parallel really forces you, the viewer, to question if what we're seeing is Mima's reality, is it her alter ego, or could it even be someone else's perception of Mima?
Unfortunately for Mima, she is placed in a position whereby screenwriters prioritize shock-value scenes that earn more profit rather than genuinely telling a meaningful story and prioritizing the well-being and agency of the actress herself.
Perfect blue will always be an unforgettable movie for me, not just because of its surprising twists but because it really left me questioning reality itself.