Hidden voices: Exploring desire and memory in Joe Hisaishi’s DEPARTURES
Author(s)
Choi, Misty Ka Man
Date Issued
2025
Publisher
Kieler Gesellschaft für Filmmusikforschung
Journal
Kieler Beiträge zur Filmmusikforschung
Volume
19
Start page
80
End page
97
Abstract
In this article, I apply theories of acousmatic voice to investigate how a musical theme uncovers the protagonist’s desire in DEPARTURES: THE GIFT OF LAST MEMORIES, original Japanese title OKURIBITO (おくりびと, Japan, 2009, directed by Yōjirō Takita). Specifi cally, I demonstrate how the main theme incorporates a hidden quotation of the Irish folk song »Danny Boy«, revealing a symbolic message from the absent father of the protago nist Daigo Kobayashi. The repetition of the main theme, embedding this quotation, evokes the father’s presence and transforms into Daigo’s inner voice. Its theme and varia tions guide him toward his new life as a mortician and facilitate his reconciliation with his father. I situate the musical and narrative construct of DEPARTURES within the discourse of voice and psychoanalysis, with an emphasis on Mladen Dolar and Brian Kane’s explo ration of Michel Chion’s concept of ›acousmêtre‹ and de-acousmatization as informed by Jacques Lacan’s psychoanalytic concepts (Chion 1999, 17‒23; Lacan 1994, 168). This transformation from the father’s message to Daigo’s inner voice allows for the de acousmatization of Daigo’s true desires, reflecting the unveiling of Lacan’s ›l’objet petit a‹ in his transformative journey of reflecting on life, death, and his relationship with his father. In terms of methodology, I combine musical analysis with psychoanalytic theory to elucidate the narrative’s complexities and the character’s psychological state.
SFU Affiliated Publication
Yes
Availability at SFU Library
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