One Cut of the Dead: When the Camera Never Stops
Japan, 2017. “One Cut of the Dead” delivers a unique cinematic experience that blends horror, comedy, and a meta-commentary on filmmaking itself.
The Outbreak
During the filming of a low-budget zombie flick, the director berates the actors for their lack of commitment. Ironically, real zombies then emerge, turning the set into a chaotic nightmare. The cast and crew are infected, leaving only the lead actors, the makeup artist, and the relentlessly driven director untouched. In this absurd situation, the director’s mantra becomes: “The camera must keep rolling!” The line between the movie and reality blurs.
A Terrible Movie…Or Is It?
The initial zombie film is intentionally bad, relying on cheap scares and predictable tropes. When the makeup artist gets splattered with zombie blood, she begins to act erratically, seemingly infected. Yet, the director remains focused on capturing every moment, his obsession with filmmaking surpassing even the horror of the zombies.
The Final Cut?
In a shocking turn, the surviving female lead kills both the male lead and the director, seemingly ending the madness. However, the camera continues to roll, capturing everything until the credits appear. It’s revealed that the director was also an actor, and the “real” director was behind the camera all along. The film presents a triple-layered structure: the fictional film, the reality of the set, and the overarching narrative.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Zombie Movie
The second act unveils the story of how this bloody zombie film was actually made, detailing the arduous pre-production process. Driven by his daughter’s dream of becoming a director and seeking his own moment to shine, the director takes on the project, enduring countless hardships and frustrations. Despite meticulous preparation, problems arise from the very first shot. What appears to be a gruesome zombie movie is actually a tale of comedic mishaps and bittersweet perseverance, showcasing the resilience of the cast and crew.
Live, Uncut, and Unhinged
The film’s production is a live, one-take shot, further complicated by constant accidents and glaring errors. This challenging situation becomes a true test of endurance, highlighting the struggles of filmmakers. It emphasizes that even a “bad” movie requires immense effort and dedication.
The Power of Teamwork
The film underscores the Japanese penchant for stories of teamwork. Despite unforeseen circumstances, difficulties, and obstacles, the dream of creating something together and the spirit of collaboration ultimately prevail, transforming a ragtag group into a cohesive unit. As the saying goes, “One person is a worm, but a group of people becomes a dragon.” Whether it’s a zombie movie, a soccer game, or a corporation, nothing can be achieved without teamwork and a shared vision.
Accolades
“One Cut of the Dead” was awarded Best Film at the 61st Blue Ribbon Awards.