Opus: A Minimalist Tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Musical Legacy”
In this documentary capturing the final performances of the late Japanese composer-performer Ryuichi Sakamoto, director Neo Sora opts for stark simplicity, presenting little more than music against a blank screen. Despite its minimalistic approach, the film resonates with emotional depth, offering glimpses of Sakamoto’s journey in his last weeks battling cancer.
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Ryuichi Sakamoto
Sora skillfully adjusts lighting to match the mood of each song, revealing moments of joy as Sakamoto smiles with satisfaction at his own performance. Dialogue is sparse, allowing the music to speak volumes, reminiscent of the earlier documentary “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda.”
The focus remains solely on the music, occasionally interrupted by human stumbles and missed notes, underscoring the rawness of Sakamoto’s struggle.
Shot in black and white, the film’s slow tracking shots and leisurely pans mirror the tempo of Sakamoto’s playing, capturing intimate moments of him conducting with his hands or revealing his iconic white hair and round spectacles. The exquisite sound quality, recorded in Sakamoto’s preferred studio, enhances the immersive experience.
The musical selection spans Sakamoto’s illustrious career, from iconic soundtracks to collaborations with Yellow Magic Orchestra and German musician Alva Noto.
The austerity of the filmmaking invites reflection on Sakamoto’s versatility and the enduring legacy of his compositions, offering viewers a poignant meditation on his artistic voice.
