Question 1

Why was 'A Page of Madness' considered lost for decades?

Accepted Answer

The film was deemed lost for 45 years until director Teinosuke Kinugasa rediscovered it in a storage shed in 1971, hidden in a rice barrel. However, a third of the movie remains lost as the discovered copy had been significantly cut down.

Question 2

What unusual production challenges did director Teinosuke Kinugasa face while making this film?

Accepted Answer

Kinugasa was so underfunded that even his stars had to assist in painting sets, making props, and pushing them. The month-long shoot was unusually long for the time due to funding issues that prevented proper actor accommodations.

Question 3

How was 'A Page of Madness' originally presented to Japanese audiences in 1926?

Accepted Answer

The film has no intertitles and was originally accompanied by live narration from performers called 'Benshi' who would elaborate on the story, characters' thoughts, and background details during screenings.

Question 4

What was the unusual theatrical release strategy for this film in 1926 Japan?

Accepted Answer

Because it differed from standard domestic films, it was shown in cinemas specializing in foreign films. It was a critical hit proclaimed a masterpiece but not popular with audiences, disappearing after a short 'preview screening' release.

Question 5

Which major international film festivals screened 'A Page of Madness' in 1973 after its rediscovery?

Accepted Answer

The film was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival and the International Film Festival Rotterdam in 1973.

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A Page of Madness

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