Commensal
Synopsis
A two-channel installation utilizing both digital video and 16mm film, Commensal focuses on the controversial figure of Issei Sagawa, who gained notoriety in 1981 when, as a graduate student in Paris, he murdered a fellow student and engaged in acts of cannibalism. After his release from a mental institution, Sagawa returned to Japan, and later appeared in innumerable documentaries and sexploitation films. In contrast to earlier journalistic documentaries on Sagawa, the film suspends moral judgment and explores a realm that eludes classification as either “documentary” or “pure fiction,” to instead chart the ambiguous territory between crime, fantasy, and social realities, between an individual and the economy of his public persona.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Véréna Paravel, Lucien Castaing-Taylor
- Original Title
- Commensal
- Country of Origin
- France, United Kingdom, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- French, Japanese
- Runtime
- 43m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Véréna Paravel, Lucien Castaing-Taylor
Department Leadership Roster
Véréna Paravel
Director
Lucien Castaing-Taylor
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Commensal.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Commensal
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Commensal about?
A two-channel installation utilizing both digital video and 16mm film, Commensal focuses on the controversial figure of Issei Sagawa, who gained notoriety in 1981 when, as a graduate student in Paris, he murdered a fellow student and engaged in acts of cannibalism. After his release from a mental institution, Sagawa returned to Japan, and later appeared in innumerable documentaries and sexploitation films. In contrast to earlier journalistic documentaries on Sagawa, the film suspends moral judgment and explores a realm that eludes classification as either “documentary” or “pure fiction,” to instead chart the ambiguous territory between crime, fantasy, and social realities, between an individual and the economy of his public persona.
Who directed Commensal?
Commensal was directed by Véréna Paravel, Lucien Castaing-Taylor.
Who stars in Commensal?
The principal cast of Commensal includes Issei Sagawa.
When was Commensal released and how long is it?
Commensal was released in 2017 with a total runtime of 43m.