Does the source novel for "Perfect Blue" help a first-time viewer to parse the meaning behind Satoshi Kon's ending? In episode 383, join Luke Elliott and James Bailey as they consider what essential elements the novel provided, explore the use of reflections, debate the significance of the fish in Mima's apartment, and outline some various theories for what the ambiguity in the film could mean. They finish by casting their votes for which one is ultimately better: the book or the movie!

• Satoshi Kon's Last Words: https://www.makikoitoh.com/journal/satoshi-kons-last-words
• Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
• Pickup any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
• Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
• Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
• Home Base: inktofilm.com
• Intro/outro music: Haunted by Ross Bugden

Luke Elliott

• Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
• Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social
• Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications

James Bailey

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Before Satoshi Kon's beloved film, Yoshikazu Takeuchi's light novel Perfect Blue: Complete Metamorphosis had a different story to tell, one with more traditional horror trappings, but with themes about identity and obsession that carried through. In episode 382, join Luke Elliott and James Bailey as they discuss how the book is on its own, how idol culture can exploit both young stars and their audiences, the ethics around writing a book depicting such graphic material, and what bones were present in the story that would go on to inspire the film people know and love.

• Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
• Pickup Lord of the Flies or any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
• Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
• Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
• Home Base: inktofilm.com
• Intro/outro music: Haunted by Ross Bugden

Luke Elliott

• Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
• Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social
• Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications

James Bailey

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/

Jack Thorne's version of this literary classic demonstrates how bold, smart choices can breathe life into something that might have otherwise been stale. In episode 381, join Luke Elliott and James Bailey as they discuss all four episodes, appreciate strong performances by the young leads, debate the value of getting surreal with color, and explore how the expanded backstories for each character slightly changes the story's overall themes. The finish by casting their votes on which one is ultimately better: the book or the show?

• Join our Discord channel https://discord.gg/yQpgu9jYB2
• Pickup Lord of the Flies or any of the books they've covered at the Ink to Film Bookshop https://bookshop.org/shop/inktofilm
• Support Ink to Film on Patreon for bonus content, merch, and the ability to vote on upcoming projects https://www.patreon.com/inktofilm
• Ink to Film's Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky (@inktofilm)
• Home Base: inktofilm.com
• Intro/outro music: No Winners by Ross Bugden

Luke Elliott

• Website: www.lukeelliottauthor.com
• Social Media: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/social
• Writing: https://www.lukeelliottauthor.com/publications

James Bailey

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jamebail.bsky.social
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamebail/