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Movie Info & Details
Release Year1977
Runtime0h 22m
LanguageNo Language
CertificationNR
Genres—
Votes3
DirectorShūji Terayama
WritersShūji Terayama
TypeFeature Film
Rating2.7 out of 10
Cast4 credited
Also Known AsThe Reading Machine
About The Reading Machine
In this Borgesian satire on knowledge and technology, bibliophilic desire leads to the construction of a pedal-powered reading machine. Resembling a combination of gymnastic contraption, printing press and early cinematic apparatus, the machine’s purpose remains ambiguous. And like this machine, Terayama’s film connects his work in poetry, motion picture and graphic design by weaving together printed and projected, still and moving images.
Directed by Shūji Terayama, The Reading Machine leans on a strong ensemble — Momo Yaguchi, Takeshi Wakamatsu, Keiko Niitaka — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1977.
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