This is an original Japanese B1 theatrical poster printed for the 2005 release of Takeshis’, written, directed and edited by Takeshi Kitano. Featuring an extraordinary mosaic portrait of its star, the design captures the film’s exploration of identity, celebrity and the overlapping worlds of performer and filmmaker.
The large B1 format, approximately twice the area of a standard Japanese B2 poster, gives the intricate photographic composition considerable presence.
Film background
Released in Japan on 5 November 2005 through Shochiku, Takeshis’ brings together two contrasting versions of Kitano: the successful celebrity Beat Takeshi and a struggling, blond-haired aspiring actor who bears an uncanny resemblance to him.
Their encounter opens into an increasingly surreal world in which dreams, fantasies and cinematic violence overlap. Kitano turns his own public image into the subject of an experimental film, drawing on the tension between his familiar screen persona and the frustrations of an unknown performer hoping for recognition.
The supporting cast includes Kotomi Kyono, Kayoko Kishimoto and Ren Osugi. Its fragmented narrative and dark humour make Takeshis’ a particularly intriguing work for collectors interested in Kitano’s more personal filmmaking.
Poster design
A monumental portrait of Takeshi Kitano dominates the sheet, emerging from a deep black background. His face is overlaid with a tightly arranged grid of small photographs, combining different expressions, characters and moments into a single image.
Warm amber, orange and gold tones illuminate the mosaic, while heavy shadows define the eyes, nose and mouth. From a distance, the composition reads as one imposing face; viewed closely, it breaks into dozens of individual images. This shifting relationship between a single identity and its many versions is especially appropriate to the film.
The title “TAKESHIS’” stretches across the lower section in vivid blue lettering. Above it, the Japanese credit reads:
「監督・脚本・編集：北野 武」
“Directed, written and edited by Takeshi Kitano.”
The vertical tagline at the right reads:
「“たけし”が“たけし”を演じる。」
“‘Takeshi’ plays ‘Takeshi.’”
Blue and red lettering distinguish the two instances of his name, reinforcing the film’s dual identities. Below the title, the announcement 「11月全国松竹系ほかロードショー」 promotes its November release at Shochiku-affiliated cinemas and other theatres nationwide.
A striking piece of Japanese film advertising, particularly suited to collectors of Takeshi Kitano, Japanese cinema and photographic poster design.
Condition
Very good+ condition. The poster was previously folded and subsequently stored rolled. Handling wear apparent on the reverse. The dark front also shows scattered light surface marks.
Despite this wear, the portrait retains strong colour and considerable visual impact in the large B1 format.
Please refer to all images provided, including the front, reverse and detail photograph, as they show the exact poster for sale.
Japanese B1 format: approximately 73 × 103 cm.
Stock code: KA7.
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
