It’s time to unleash some absolute mania, as we experience the multiple derangements of Nobuhiko Ôbayashi’s “Hausu” (aka “House”).
A film in which we learn the best way to store a watermelon; the worst way to store futons; and that your legs can live to fight another day, even if the rest of you has been devoured.
Like a food-colouring fuelled half remembrance of 60s pop group films fused to the most avant-guard of haunted house movies, with disturbing imagery drawn from the director’s young daughter, and nothing but torment and despair for our likeable young protagonists, “Hausu” should not work. However, Ôbayashi’s vision, style and flair make this a joyous dive headlong into a reality that the word surreal barely does justice to. It’s relentless energy and charm make for a real gem, that balances humour with the macabre - the switch halfway through from teen summer break to crazed nightmare barely dents its propulsive fun, meaning that the viewer comes away with a giddy contact high of absurdist joy.
Watch (or re-watch) to avoid spoilers and join us.