SciFi JAPAN TV EXTRA: Smog Monster Director

[kpa]

This week SciFi JAPAN TV presents a 20 minute EXTRA featuring Yoshimitsu Banno, director of 1971’s GODZILLA VS HEDORAH and Executive Producer on Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA. Mr. Banno discusses working with Akira Kurosawa and Eiji Tsuburaya, directing HEDORAH, his efforts to make the IMAX short film GODZILLA 3-D, his involvement in the new GODZILLA, and more!

http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2014 ... e-edition/

[Enshohma]

I do respect Yoshimitsu Banno, and I'm starting to re-appreciate "Godzilla vs Hedorah" as a visually moody and 'interesting' film experience. But this guy's near endless quest to do a cinematic "Hedorah" follow-up confuses me, in wither I should admire his dreams, or slightly be concerned by them in his older age.

And because of which, it's impossible to keep track of all his various Hedorah-like monsters.

'New Hedorah', from that unmade 'Hedorah Goes to Africa' sequel; The Mutant Starfish (AKA Hitoda), from an alternative concept to the previous production; Deathla from "Godzilla 3D"; Namagon AND Gaira, who are basically 'Deathla Take 2', from "Gamera 3D".

And thanks to this wonderful interview, we now have mention of Midora; the heroic giant monster made of algae, who also has big eyes, and fights for the forests, to challenge the actual Hedorah in a NEW Godzilla-less film proposal.

The 'Anti-Hedorah', if you will.

It's always fun to hear about new Kaiju in the Godzilla franchise, and a rare benevolent one at that. But still, it's hard to keep all these 'Banno-Monsters' straight. I pray the when Yoshimitsu Banno's autobiography finally get's its English edition released, the confusion will be taken care of...Or made worse, knowing my luck.

[Jared]

This is the first I've seen of Banno and I totally dig him, humble and intelligent. GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH isn't my cup of tea, but I can appreciate and respect many of the decisions made, and the overall tone of the film. I'll have to rewatch it soon.