If you've been wondering why you've heard hardly anything about Hayao Miyazaki's latest feature film, How Do You Live?, despite the fact that it is opening in Japan next month, Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki revealed the answer in a video interview with Bungeishunjū magazine last Friday. Suzuki remarked that he was "done" with the full-blown marketing cycle, implying that neither he nor Hayao Miyazaki have the energy for it anymore.
Suzuki also cited other reasons for foregoing the marketing. He remarked that if audiences are interested in watching something, they won't need to see trailers to be convinced. He mentioned that some films spoil their stories through their trailers, pointing fingers at a certain Hollywood film that will open in Japan around the same time as How Do You Live?
So far, the studio has not revealed a plot summary or even the voice cast. It only unveiled one poster for How Do You Live?, embedded below. Suzuki commented that, throughout his entire career working on Ghibli posters and marketing, this was his first poster that Miyazaki went out of his way to praise. This also influenced him to choose a minimalistic approach with the film: no TV spots, no newspaper ads, nothing. Just this visual will do.
-
reminder that the movie premieres next month! crazy move specially in this era where studios spend as much in publicity as they do making the movie
that said is Miyazaki's final film so i don't think you need to say anything else to make want people want to watch it
so far the only clue about the movie is this poster from last year
according to Toshio Suzuki, Miyazaki says the movie is a present for his grandson since he wanted to left a gift for him that he can enjoy after he is gone
Quote“Miyazaki is making the new film for his grandson. It’s his way of saying ‘Grandpa is moving on to the next world, but he’s leaving behind this film.'”
