Before the onslaught of reality television in the West, there was an ominous harbinger in Japan of what was to come in our oversharing-obsessed culture. “The Contestant” traces the experience of aspiring comedian Tomoaki Hamatsu, nicknamed Nasubi, who unwittingly became an extreme case study.
Although Nasubi could have left at any time, he stayed for months with a fierce determination to complete his mission. He was cut off from all contact with his family and the world except for occasional interactions with Tsuchiya.
What Nasubi didn’t realize was that his experiences were being broadcast to over 15 million people in a TV show called “Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes.” Without his knowledge or consent, Nasubi became the most famous television personality in Japan.
While parts of Nasubi’s infamy have been recounted before on YouTube and “This American Life,” director Clair Titley and producer Megumi Inman bring a revelatory depth of insight by interviewing Nasubi, Tsuchiya, and others close to them. The filmmakers explore further twists in Nasubi’s life after “Denpa Shonen” to deliver one of the most WTF stories of the year.
CREDITS: “The Contestant” is written and directed by Clair Titley. The film is produced by Megumi Inman, Andee Ryder and Ian Bonhôte for Misfits Entertainment, and Amit Dey for MRC. Fred Armisen narrates, along with Takehiro Hira. The film is edited by Rachel Meyrick and Katie Bryer, with original music by Nainita Desai. The director of photography is Mikul Villaluna Eriksson.
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