Yusaku Mizoguchi

1. What made you film Still Breathing? Were there any life experiences that influenced this films plot?

I wanted to make a film that viewers can see inner thoughts of characters. In real life, it is pretty tough to know how the person thinks of anything by looking human behavior in a short time. You can generalize human behaviors but it doesn’t apply to everyone. I think the film medium suits the best to show or imply certain intention of the characters.

2. You have been getting a lot of great reviews for your film Still Breathing…how does that feel?

I still don’t think we spread enough buzz around the world, haha. But I’m glad the audience liked "Still Breathing" at the festivals. And I received comments that I never thought of such as "I’m glad I have normal life. Your film made me realize that." and "I like how your character goes extreme." Because this was not part of my intention at all.

3. When in life did you decide you wanted to be part of the movie making process?

I vaguely realized that my creativity fits in the filmmaking in 6th grade. I also found out that there were only a few film schools in Japan, so I came to the US to major in film directing. I didn’t have a uncle who bought me a super 8 camera or anything. I had to wait till I could afford it and started making short films.

4. Are there any actors out there that you are dying to work with?

I think it depends on what film I’m casting for. But the actors I admire and want to work with are Audrey Tautou, Ellen Page, Anna Faris, Tim Roth, Gary Oldman, Ben Kingsley and Jessica Alba (2 years ago). I’ve also worked with very talented actors, even though they are not well known.

5. What is your favorite horror movie and why?

‘Vanishing’ (Original Netherlands version)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Original)
Alien and Aliens
The Exorcist
Repulsion
The Tenant
I spit on your grave
Troll2

This is not a horror movie but, Medusa scene from ‘Clash of the Titan’ creeped me out when I was little.
And there are 100 more but I won’t mention them here.

6. What are your thoughts on the afterlife?

I can’t comment on it since I haven’t been there, but maybe that’s why I’m making films to record what’s around me while I’m alive.

7. Any favorite tv shows that you just can not miss?

I don’t watch TV, TV gives you cancer.

8. What do you do over there in Japan for fun?

Wandering around in cities like Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya and Harajuku is fun. Also eating real sushi there not pseudo sushi in Los Angeles that I have to bare with.

9. Did you go to film school?

Yes, I graduated from Columbia College Chicago. I also took some film classes at NYU.

10. What’s next?

I am writing a short film (drama) that I will direct this year and a feature that I’m planning to start shooting next year. I’m always looking for talented producers and investors to work with. Please email me if you are interested in working with me. japdirector@yahoo.com