About the Series: In this 7-week series, I will review and analyze films specially curated for the theme “Women on the Verge (Of a Nervous Breakdown).” Enjoy analyses and thoughts on our cinematic favorites, underrated gems, and discover what makes the featured women protagonists, “On the Verge.”
Dealing with themes of exploitation, identity, voyeurism, and personal portrayal, Perfect Blue was a highly anticipated watch that did not disappoint. Ambiguity, confusion, distraction, and surveillance reign supreme in this psychological horror directed by Satoshi Kon and written by Sadayuki Murai. Centering on Mima, a young woman who takes significant agency over her life early in the film, Perfect Blue acts as a grim reminder that women who are bold enough to claim personal power over their lives often face dire consequences from structures and malevolent forces, leading to uninhibited gaslighting and psychological turmoil, often inflicted by confidants and close personal connections. In this case, Mima is victimized by her manager, Rumi.