ARAKIMENTARI

Year: 2004
USA: Troopers Films
UK: Tartan Films
Cast: Araki, Nobuyoshi Arak, Björk, Richard Kern, Takeshi Kitano
Director: Travis Klose
Country: USA
USA & UK: 85 mins
UK Certificate: N/C
USA Release Date: 21 January 2005 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 5 August 2005 (Limited Release - London, ICA)


Synopsis

An explicit and candid portrait of the notorious Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki, renowned for his artful shots of women in various S&M/bondage scenarios. Director Travis Klose explores every aspect of Araki's world, tagging along with the energetic, wild-haired artist to find out what motivates his prodigious output.

Lively discussions about censorship, Japanese art and society and — inevitably — Araki's attitude toward women make this a consistently provocative and challenging film, with its emotional heart located in Araki's relationship with his late wife.

Most of all though, Araki turns out to be a fun and inspiring person to be around. Bjork, Takeshi Kitano and Richad Kern, as well as some of Araki's models, offer their own personal insights into his life and work.