【第１弾】「平山という男は、どこから来たのか」ヴィム・ヴェンダース監督ロングインタビュー_『PERFECT DAYS』

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How Hiyama's Character Development Unfolded in the Film "Perfect Days"

1. Initial Inspiration for Hiyama's Character:

   • The director, Vim Venders, was first inspired by the character of Hiyama while watching the film "Shed We Dance" multiple times to understand the actor's portrayal of lightness and being.

2. Conceptualizing Hiyama's Background:

   • Venders envisioned Hiyama as a man responsible for maintaining and preserving beautiful locations and architectural marvels, leading to the idea of a man dedicated to cleanliness and service.

3. Influences from Real Life Monks:

   • Drawing inspiration from real-life monks known for their gentleness and sense of humor, Venders associated Hiyama with these qualities, particularly drawing from his favorite monk, Leonard K, who transitioned from a rich businessman to a monk.

4. Character Transformation of Hiyama:

   • Venders and his team agreed that Hiyama had a past as a successful businessman before transitioning to a simpler life, driven by a significant event that made him reevaluate his priorities.

5. Turning Point in Hiyama's Life:

   • The pivotal moment in Hiyama's transformation was visualized as a realization of his uniqueness and the beauty of simplicity, triggered by a ray of sunlight in a mundane hotel room, leading him to seek a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

6. Embracing Simplicity and Service:

   • Hiyama chose to abandon his previous life, including his job and wealth, to live a modest life focused on appreciating nature, particularly light and trees. He found joy in serving as a guardian of parks, capturing their beauty through photography.

7. Symbolism of Photography:

   • Photography became a symbolic act of gratitude towards nature and light for Hiyama, reflecting his newfound appreciation for simplicity and the beauty around him.

8. Living as a Monk of Light:

   • Through his transformation, Hiyama embraced a monk-like existence of gratitude, service, and reverence for nature, embodying the idea of living in harmony with oneself and the environment.

9. Filming Hiyama's Character:

   • Venders portrayed Hiyama as a person filled with gratitude and contentment, symbolized by his morning ritual of looking at the sky with a smile, signifying the beginning of a new day and a fresh perspective.

10. Universal Message of Acceptance:

    • Venders emphasized that Hiyama's journey symbolizes the potential for self-acceptance and finding peace within oneself, suggesting that every individual has their own version of Hiyama within, waiting to be acknowledged.

11. Incorporating Real-Life Experiences into Character Development:

    • Venders shared personal anecdotes and inspirations, such as Leonard K and the transformative power of nature, to shape Hiyama's character and narrative arc in the film.

12. Reflection on Character Name:

    • The choice of the name "Hiyama" for the character was influenced by its sound and the idea of continuity from a previous bearer of the name, adding depth to Hiyama's identity in the film.

By following these steps, you can gain insights into the intricate character development of Hiyama in the film "Perfect Days" and understand the underlying themes of transformation, gratitude, and self-discovery portrayed in the narrative.