For May we’re examining the full filmography—a scant four feature films—of Japanese animation director Satoshi Kon. Despite his career being cut short by pancreatic cancer at the age of 46, Kon was able to quickly emerge as (and remain) one of the most exciting and influential anime artists of the past 25 years. Able to seamlessly flit between dream and reality, modern technology and admiration for the past, and genre-style action and literary concerns, Kon’s films see forward to what it’s like to live one’s life online.

Ani-May with Satoshi Kon is sponsored by Japan America Society of St. Louis

Perfect Blue (Satoshi Kon, 1997, Japan, 81 minutes)

Serving as Kon’s enthralling debut feature and also his best known, Perfect Blue is a staple in popular culture and a stunning cinematic feat in psychological horror. Based loosely on the novel Perfect Blue: Complete Metamorphosis, protagonist Mima struggles to determine her place in the entertainment industry, differentiate realities, and preserve her own sanity and safety in this thriller. Employing unreliable narration and a compelling female lead, Perfect Blue put Kon on the map and gave way to critical praise that would stand out across his entire body of work.

Perfect Blue is available to watch for free with many public library cards through Hoopla (subject to change). Alternatively, it can be rented digitally on most platforms for $2-4.

With a free post-film discussion on May 6 at 7:00 p.m. from Adam Manfredi, PhD candidate in Japanese literature and comparative literature at Washington University in St. Louis

Register for this event here.