Arakimentari

Running time: N/A

"What would happen if I took a photo of everything I ever experienced?" - Nobuyoshi Araki The bound woman in a green kimono with bright red flowers seems almost lifeless, like a plastic doll. But from behind the lens comes the coaxing, praising and even grunting from a jittery impresario with a black, toothbrush-like mustache and shocks of hair that explode from opposite hemispheres of his shiny, otherwise bald head. Then, and only then, does the woman begin to exude a brilliant sensual vitality.Nobuyoshi Araki's work, always focusing on his obsession with the female form, has been both attacked as obscene and hailed as visionary with the same intensity. Following in the steps of Crumb, Arakimentari invites viewers to follow the boisterous, eccentric Araki through the glitz of Tokyo and into his own photography sessions to make up their own minds.Director Travis Klose offers an uninhibited, thought-provoking look at the controversial Japanese photographer and his work. Featuring interviews with singer Björk, photographer Richard Kern and director Takeshi Kitano, among others, Arakimentari is an invigorating look at one man's career as well as an examination of the complex relationship between the artist and his subject. Don't miss this hot-button conversation piece. NOTE: Contains images of nudity and strong sexuality. Fernando F. Croce MAVERICK COMPETITION