I have to admit that I have only seen one film by Japanese filmmaker Shinya Tsukamoto, shown discussing his films at the left. After seeing the newly released DVD, Basic Tsukamoto, I plan on seeing as many of his films as I can. This documentary is a look at the developing career of this internationally acclaimed filmmaker who writes, directs and photographs many of his films. One of Tsukamoto’s films, A Snake in June has been shown at midnight on cable television, while other films get midnight showings at movie theaters.

While Tsukamoto started making movies as a teenager in Tokyo, his first professional work was directing television commercials. Quitting that in his mid-Twenties, Tsukamoto made the experimental film Tetsuo - the Iron Man which unexpectedly one the grand prize at the Rome Film Festival in 1989. The documentary includes clips of Tsukamoto’s first, amateur films, as well as clips of his professional work both behind and in front of the camera up through A Snake in June. Among the films Tsukamoto acted in was Takashi Miike’s Ichi the Killer.

The DVD includes a critical essay about Tsukamoto’s films, as well as trailers for all of his features including this year’s Nightmare Detective. Tsukamoto talks about the some of his influences and themes. For those familiar with Shinya Tsukamoto, Basic Tsukamoto will help in deepening one’s understanding of this cult filmmaker. For those who might like a career overview, and a glimpse of several films, this DVD from Pathfinder Home Entertainment will make an excellent introduction.

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