Rampo Noir

Rampo Noir is a Japanese anthology film consisting of four distinct segments, each based on literary works by the renowned horror writer Edogawa Ranpo. The film takes its name from the pen name of the author, and it delves into the darker corners of the human psyche, exploring themes of psychological terror, the nature of madness, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. The film begins with the segment "Human Chair," directed by Isamu Hirata. This episode is an adaptation of Edogawa Ranpo's 1925 short story of the same name. The story follows a mysterious and gruesome murder that takes place in a small Japanese town. A group of friends discover the body of a man who has been impaled on a chair, which seems to be the only clue to the killer's identity. As they try to unravel the mystery behind the murder, they realize that they are not as innocent as they thought, and that one of their own group members may be the true culprit. The "Human Chair" segment is a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of guilt and responsibility, as well as the fragility of human relationships. Through the use of atmospheric tension and a slow-burning narrative, Hirata masterfully crafts an unsettling and suspenseful tale that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The second segment, directed by Hideshi Hino and titled "Woman in the Walls," is an adaptation of Edogawa Ranpo's 1934 short story of the same name. In this episode, a young man named Shunsuke visits a wealthy client to investigate a haunting in his mansion. The client believes that the sound of a woman weeping in the walls of the mansion is a supernatural occurrence, but Shunsuke is skeptical and sees it as a ruse to get him to investigate and stay at the mansion. As Shunsuke spends more time in the mansion, he begins to uncover a dark and sinister truth behind the client's intentions. The segment is a haunting exploration of the theme of possession, as well as the blurring of reality and fantasy. Hino's direction is masterful in building up the tension and creating a sense of unease in the viewer. The third segment, directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa and titled "Cat's Eye," is an adaptation of Edogawa Ranpo's 1939 short story of the same name. In this episode, a group of people discover that a strange cat has the ability to grant wishes to those who make eye contact with it. However, the wishes come with a terrible cost, and the group soon realizes that the cat's power comes at a deadly price. Kurosawa's direction is minimalist yet effective in capturing the sense of unease and dread that pervades the segment. The focus on the cat's unsettling presence creates a sense of tension and unease, and the exploration of the theme of the power of wishes and the consequences of making them. The final segment, directed by Takashi Miike and titled "Murder on D Street," is an adaptation of Edogawa Ranpo's 1927 short story of the same name. In this episode, a detective is tasked with solving a murder that took place on the outskirts of Tokyo. The investigation takes a dark and sinister turn as the detective delves deeper into the case and discovers a web of deceit and corruption that goes all the way to the top. Miike's direction is characteristic of his style, which is fast-paced and energetic. The segment is a gripping thriller that explores the darker corners of Tokyo's underbelly and the corrupt systems that exist within it. Overall, Rampo Noir is a masterful anthology film that showcases the dark and thought-provoking themes found in Edogawa Ranpo's literary works. Each segment is a standalone tale of psychological terror, exploring the complexities of the human psyche and the darkness that lurks within. The film is a testament to the enduring power of horror as a genre, and the ability of filmmakers to reinterpret and reimagine the classics in new and innovative ways.