Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi continues to impress with his latest film, “Evil Does Not Exist”. After releasing two critically acclaimed features in 2021, Hamaguchi returns with a fully realized and deeply sophisticated aesthetic in his new film. “Evil Does Not Exist” was born out of a collaboration with composer Eiko Ishibashi, who invited Hamaguchi to create video images to accompany her live musical piece. Inspired by his research in a rural Japanese village, Hamaguchi decided to shoot a highly formalist feature film alongside the video piece.
The film centers around Takumi, a single father, and his daughter Hana, who lead a modest life in Mizubiki Village near Tokyo. They live according to the seasons and the order of nature, much like generations before them. However, their tranquil life is disrupted when plans are revealed to build a glamping site near their house. This new development threatens the local water supply and causes unrest among the village inhabitants. As representatives from the company behind the project arrive in the village for a meeting, the ecological balance and way of life in Mizubiki Village hang in the balance, ultimately affecting Takumi’s life.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at the Venice Film Festival, Hamaguchi discussed the intentions and interpretations behind “Evil Does Not Exist”. When asked about how to interpret the film, Hamaguchi suggested that it should be approached like listening to music. He emphasized the importance of witnessing the movements of the characters and experiencing the film’s multiple meanings and thoughts. Hamaguchi attributes this approach to his collaboration with Ishibashi’s music, which influenced his filmmaking process.
The influence of music is indeed a noticeable aspect of the film. Hamaguchi mentioned that he and Ishibashi had Jean-Luc Godard’s films as a common reference point for the use of music in their project. They aimed to create a sonic experience, much like Godard’s work, and veered away from using the music in a purely emotional way. By intentionally creating a slight mismatch between the music and the film, Hamaguchi sought to heighten the sharpness present in both mediums.
The camera movements in “Evil Does Not Exist” also contribute to its sense of place and connection to nature. Hamaguchi explained that he wanted to break away from his previous filmmaking style and focused on the camera’s presence within the film. The way the camera looks at the characters and captures their reactions to each other within their environments became a significant aspect of the film’s formal qualities.
Compared to Hamaguchi’s previous films, which explored the nature of rehearsal and dramatic performance, “Evil Does Not Exist” leans more towards exploring the formal qualities of filmmaking. However, Hamaguchi emphasized that capturing human beings within their environments remained important to him. This film served as an exercise in capturing those interactions and reactions, which he believes will shape his filmmaking in the coming decade.
The enigmatic title, “Evil Does Not Exist,” also sparked curiosity. Hamaguchi explained that the title came to him during field research for the script while contemplating nature and the natural landscape. He mentioned that it’s a relatable feeling when looking at nature, feeling that evil does not exist. However, he clarifies that this is not the film’s overall message or something he personally believes. He deliberately chose to keep the title, as it functions more like a title to a piece of music, without necessarily connecting directly to the film’s meaning.
“Evil Does Not Exist” showcases Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s evolving style and ability to create deeply meaningful and visually captivating stories. With its exploration of nature, the influence of music, and the formal qualities of filmmaking, the film presents a unique and thought-provoking experience for its audience. As Hamaguchi continues to push the boundaries of his craft, “Evil Does Not Exist” stands as another testament to his talent and artistry.
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