JAPANESE HORROR | JUNJI ITO
My Interpretative Reflection: Fashion Model
Caution: Contains elements of horror that may be unsettling for some readers
The story highlights how individuals in modelling and filmmaking industries often driven to extreme lengths to maintain their image to stay in the spotlight. Fuchi’s horrifying transformation and her insatiable desire for attention serve as a metaphor for the pressures and demands faced by those in the public eye. This reflects the unhealthy and obsessive nature of the entertainment industry, where individuals may feel compelled to sacrifice their humanity for success.
I would really appreciate it if you could please stay on the page
for at least 30 seconds to help me support my work as per Medium's new changes.Iwasaki’s growing fear and obsession with Miss Fuchi’s image represent the destructive power of fixation on external appearances and the pursuit of physical perfection. The society often values beauty above all else where unhealthy obsession can lead to paranoia and self-destruction. The prioritization of physical beauty can be harmful for mental and emotional well-being.
The story also raises questions about how we treat those who do not conform to conventional standards of beauty and how our fear of the “other” can have dire consequences because of the society’s tendency to marginalize individuals who are perceived as different or outside the norm.
Fashion Model
Iwasaki, a scriptwriter, can’t shake a feeling of impending doom. He stumbles upon a shocking picture of a model in a magazine, and it terrifies him. He starts having nightmares where the model’s face turns into something horrifying. To check his fears, he tries to get another copy of the magazine but finds it replaced by a new one.
While working on an indie film with his friends, Iwasaki faces a challenge finding a lead actress for their high school character. They go through casting photos, and he realizes that the same woman from the magazine is in the final picture. Despite her scary appearance, the others decide to hire her for a different role because of her modeling experience, thinking it will help their movie.
