Smallpox Tale
疱瘡譚
Synopsis
The smallpox virus has created its own unique atmosphere in Terayama’s film where the skin of a bandaged adolescent and the surface of the filmic image are subjected to a bizarre ‘disturbance’ as snails cross the screen and nails are hammered into the skull of the ailing patient. Illness in this film is as much a psychic entity as a physical one and manifests itself in an array of theatrical tableaux from grotesque women rigorously brushing their teeth to a snooker game where the players in white face makeup behave like automata. A Tale of Smallpox uses a medical theme to chart the traumatic dream life of Terayama’s times, evincing deep-rooted concerns in the Japanese national psyche that hark back to the upheaval of Meiji modernisation and the devastation of World War Two.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
Source: MUBI (IFFR)
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Shūji Terayama
- Screenplay & Story
- Shūji Terayama
- Original Title
- 疱瘡譚
- Country of Origin
- Japan
- Spoken Languages
- Japanese
- Runtime
- 34m
- Production Studios
- Tenjo Sajiki
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Shūji Terayama
Shūji Terayama
Tatsuo Suzuki
Eiko Kujo
Department Leadership Roster
Shūji Terayama
Director
Shūji Terayama
Screenplay
Eiko Kujo
Producer
Tatsuo Suzuki
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Smallpox Tale.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Smallpox Tale.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Smallpox Tale
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Smallpox Tale about?
The smallpox virus has created its own unique atmosphere in Terayama’s film where the skin of a bandaged adolescent and the surface of the filmic image are subjected to a bizarre ‘disturbance’ as snails cross the screen and nails are hammered into the skull of the ailing patient. Illness in this film is as much a psychic entity as a physical one and manifests itself in an array of theatrical tableaux from grotesque women rigorously brushing their teeth to a snooker game where the players in white face makeup behave like automata. A Tale of Smallpox uses a medical theme to chart the traumatic dream life of Terayama’s times, evincing deep-rooted concerns in the Japanese national psyche that hark back to the upheaval of Meiji modernisation and the devastation of World War Two.
Who directed Smallpox Tale?
Smallpox Tale was directed by Shūji Terayama.
Who stars in Smallpox Tale?
The principal cast of Smallpox Tale includes Keiko Niitaka, Yoko Ran, Takeshi Wakamatsu.
When was Smallpox Tale released and how long is it?
Smallpox Tale was released in 1976 with a total runtime of 34m.