Question 1

Why was Ewan McGregor concerned about his parents watching The Pillow Book?

Accepted Answer

Ewan McGregor was uncomfortable about his parents watching the film because he spends much of it nude. His father responded positively via fax after seeing it.

Question 2

What unusual approach did The Pillow Book take with its English subtitles?

Accepted Answer

Some English subtitles appear intentionally incorrect or missing, reflecting 'language play' or 'the Tower of Babel' concept, as confirmed by director Peter Greenaway.

Question 3

What historical practice inspired The Pillow Book's title?

Accepted Answer

The title references pillow books, which noble women in Heian Japan used to record poems, secrets, and encounters with lovers. A famous example was written by Sei Shonagon.

Question 4

Which major film festivals featured The Pillow Book?

Accepted Answer

The film was featured at Cannes Film Festival (1996), Toronto International Film Festival (1996), Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (1997), and San Francisco International Film Festival (1997).

Question 5

What drives the conflict in The Pillow Book's story?

Accepted Answer

Nagiko has a fetish for calligraphy on the human body and meets her ideal soulmate Jerome, but treachery and bloodlust overtake the story when her father's gay publisher rejoins the scene.

Question 6

Why was Ewan McGregor concerned about his parents watching this film?

Accepted Answer

Ewan McGregor was uncomfortable about his parents watching because he spends much of the film nude. His father responded positively via fax after seeing it.

Question 7

What unusual approach does the film take with its English subtitles?

Accepted Answer

Some English subtitles appear intentionally incorrect or missing, reflecting 'language play' or 'the Tower of Babel' concept, as confirmed by director Peter Greenaway.

Question 8

What historical practice inspired the film's title and concept?

Accepted Answer

The title references pillow books kept by noble women in Heian Japan to record poems, secrets, and encounters with lovers, famously practiced by Sei Shonagon.

Question 9

Which major film festivals featured 'The Pillow Book'?

Accepted Answer

The film was featured at Cannes Film Festival (1996), Toronto International Film Festival (1996), Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (1997), and San Francisco International Film Festival (1997).

Question 10

What unusual language shift occurs during Nagiko's birthday blessing?

Accepted Answer

When Nagiko's mother delivers the birthday blessing, she starts in Japanese like her father did, then switches to Mandarin Chinese.

The Pillow Book

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