Cast
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Crew
Director
- Tsutomu Yabuki
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Animation/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Idol of Darkness presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Tsutomu Yabuki brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Idol of Darkness took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 43 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 94 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The film contains approximately 1064 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: July 2, 1997
- Runtime: 43m