Today I was lucky to attend a special screening of the gloriously named “Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo” in Denver with the film’s maker, Jessica Oreck. She has taken a very artistic approach to natural history filmmaking, one well worth experiencing. Her subject: the Japanese’s almost-unnatural obsession with a very natural subject — insects.
This is an abstract, arty, and contemplative film that, though it takes no overt position on its subjects and never states it explicitly, poses the question: Why are the Japanese, alone among world cultures, so into insects? There is no pat answer. The filmmaker presents clues, and it is up to you, the viewer, to process what you’re given and draw a conclusion. The ordering seems important sometimes; confusing, contradictory, or enigmatic at others. Along the way, there are many scenes that are difficult to fit in — possibly by design — like jigsaw pieces that may or may not belong in the box. Many are beautiful little treats that can be savored visually in their own right. One short shot, possibly my favorite of the film, simply focuses on the soft patter of rain on water and shows an Escheresque and seemingly impossible illusion of the water moving both left and right at the same time. It must be seen to be believed.
It takes some patience, and perhaps repeat viewings, to fully digest Oreck’s film. In addition to the enigmatic scenes, the film is in Japanese with subtitles, and the subtitles sometimes move a bit quickly, making it tricky to take in both the visuals and the narrative at the same time. But the film was creative, original, and unique. Oreck said after the screening that she *had* to make the film — there was no choice about it. No one else had or would tell that story unless she did. I can relate to and support that kind of vision and passion. I’d rather watch 100 Beetle Queens than 5 McNature documentaries (*cough* Mcgillivray-Freeman *cough*). Oreck opens a window into a beautiful little world of beetles and a culture of insects that you’d probably never stumble upon otherwise. It was so heartening to see Japanese children actually playing with beetles instead of video games, learning to pin butterflies in school, and going along on insect catch-and-release expeditions or firefly appreciation trips with their parents as a fun way to spend a Friday night. If only we should be so lucky here. Recommended.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
One interesting exploration of the difference between the Japanese and the western view on insects, and on the psychology of human revulsion, as it is connected with insects, is an animated film: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. Thought animated, Hayao Miyazaki’s work is not merely for kids.
Throughout his work, you will see his artistic recreations of huge natural tableaux. His animated dioramas in Nausicaa include “giant insects”, which if you look at them, include many species that either exist today (smaller, but no less interesting for their exotic body plans, and coloration) or are evocative of fossils. Nausicaa reminds me at several points, of fantastic creatures from the burgess shale. The giant “Ohm” remind me of the pill bugs that we played with in our back yard as kids, writ XL. Miyazaki’s ethics and ideals are clearly inspired by the traditional Shinto beliefs of the Japanese people. It seems that ability to overcome your own revulsion, and to give that which is “other” a chance to live, even if most of the villagers are screaming “kill it! kill it with fire!” is important to Miyazaki. It seems that within Shinto are many noble instincts.
W
In addition to the Shinto culture, the strong Buddhist influence in Japan (life and the karmic cycle) may contribute to their enlightened treatment of insects. The premium on living space in metropolitan areas may have also contributed to keeping beetles and crickets as pets. Crickets were kept as pets in China as far back as early Roman times and, like the Chinese alphabet, this custom probably was exported to Japan.
I also recommend the Nausicaa anime. But the identically titled manga that the anime was based upon(only first two volumes), also by Miyazaki, is even better. Some libraries
with decent graphic novel sections may have the english translation. The environmental
message, also found in other Miyazaki films such as Mononeke Hime, is stronger here. The manga is also darker that the film and gives a much more detailed vision of the flora and fauna of the post-apocalyptic world.
Kyril
Hi Jennifer,
I’m an Outreach Producer with Myriapod Productions. We love your blog, and we’re wondering if you might be interested in writing a few guest posts for the Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo website? If yes, please send me a quick email and I’ll put you in touch with the filmmaker. (By the way, the email link on your Portfolio page seems to be malfunctioning…hence the comment…)
Thanks,
Rachael
Thanks! And thanks for the heads-up on my email, which I just fixed! I’ll contact you off-blog . . .