The Face of Another (1966)

In the haunting exploration of identity, "The Face of Another" (1966), we meet the tormented Mr. Okuyama, an executive whose life is irrevocably altered by a devastating industrial accident that leaves his face horribly scarred. Grief-stricken and bitter, Okuyama grapples with his self-imposed exile from society, choosing to hide his disfigurement beneath bandages rather than face the world. He feels forgotten by those he once held close, including his wife, and in his despair, he contemplates suicide. However, his psychiatrist, Dr. Hori, proposes an unconventional solution. He offers to craft a lifelike mask, virtually indistinguishable from a real face, which would allow Okuyama to assume an entirely new identity. While Okuyama sees this as a chance to reclaim some semblance of normalcy, Dr. Hori approaches it as a psychological experiment, believing this mask could take on a life of its own. As Okuyama adapts to the mask and the life it offers, he reveals his ultimate plan to reconnect with his estranged wife, a mission that yields unexpected consequences. The mask seems to influence his personality, raising questions about the fluidity of identity and the power of perception. Interweaved with Okuyama's story is the tale of a young woman, her face marred by a burn scar she conceals with her hair. She battles societal rejection and the torment of her disfigurement, culminating in a heartbreaking plea to her older brother, the only one who truly understands her pain. "The Face of Another" presents a poignant narrative that delves into the profound themes of identity, appearance, and the human psyche. It explores the lengths to which people will go to escape their reality, the masks they wear, and how the world perceives them. This film serves as a mirror, reflecting the discomforting truths about the human condition and the masks we all wear in our lives.

The Face of Another is a drama movie featuring Tatsuya Nakadai and directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara.

The Face of Another is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.