Charli XCX Couldn't Watch This Banned Masters of Horror Episode 'Without Screaming'
This episode of the famous horror anthology was never shown on TV due to its excessive violence and only became popular on DVD. Here's why only experienced fans of the genre should watch it.
Charli XCX is about to enter the movie business and has several projects ahead of her. However, those who follow the pop icon's Letterboxd know that she has been reviewing both classics and new releases for a long time.
Charli XCX Reviewed Takashi Miike's Imprint oh Her Letterboxd
One of the projects that impressed Charli XCX the most was Takashi Miike's episode of Masters of Horror titled Imprint. The singer wrote:
“I literally can't watch a takashi miike movie without screaming.”
Imprint is the final episode of the first season of the anthology series Masters of Horror, which aired on Showtime from 2005 to 2007. The concept of the series was that each episode was directed by a recognized master of the horror genre.
What Is Imprint About?
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The second half of the 19th century, Japanese back alleys. A sullen and taciturn American sails by boat to a small island.
Under the cover of night, most of the passengers go to a piece of land far from any signs of civilization to satisfy the call of the flesh. On the island, a brothel awaits them, where women are kept in cages like animals.
But the silent man shows no interest in the abominations around him. He is only interested in one thing – a certain girl he wants to save.
Takashi Miike Was Already a Recognized Master of Horror When He Made Imprint
Takashi Miike, a master of extreme horror, was invited to direct Imprint. At the time, he was already known for his films Audition and Ichi the Killer, both of which were striking in their aesthetics and outrageous violence.
Over time, both films achieved cult status, serving as a source of inspiration for many famous filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino, and earning Miike an invitation to the set of Masters of Horror.
Producers Promised Miike Creative Freedom, but the Episode Was Never Shown on TV
The plot of Imprint was based on the story by Iwai Shimako, and before work on the episode began, the producers guaranteed Miike absolute creative freedom. So the famous director was enraged when, after a test screening, network executives refused to air the episode because of its shocking scenes.
A scandal erupted: Miike was disappointed with American television, and Imprint was never shown on the scheduled date. The episode was not seen by a wider audience until it was finally released on DVD.
Imprint Is One of Takashi Miike's Most Shocking Yet Outstanding Works
Individual episodes in anthologies rarely take center stage in the filmographies of famous filmmakers, but Imprint is one such case.
Nearly 20 years after its failed screening, Miike's episode has cemented its status as a masterpiece – an outstanding and revolutionary horror project must be uncomfortable in order to have a powerful effect.
Miike managed to shock the viewers with a combination of outstanding visuals and outrageous brutality, an interesting story with social commentary, and a nightmarish atmosphere. Perhaps this is how a true master of horror should work.
