Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters is a 1985 biographical film directed by Paul Schrader and written by Schrader and his brother Leonard. The film is based on the life and work of Japanese author Yukio Mishima, portrayed by actor Ken Ogata.
The film is divided into four chapters, each based on a different period in Mishima's life. The first chapter, "Beauty," is based on Mishima's novel The Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It tells the story of Mizoguchi, a young man who is obsessed with beauty and destroys the golden pavilion because he cannot stand its perfection. This chapter explores Mishima's own ideas about beauty and his fascination with death and suicide.
The second chapter, "Art," is based on Mishima's novel Kyoko's House. It tells the story of a young actor named Fumio who is seduced by a wealthy older woman named Mrs. Kawakami. This chapter explores Mishima's ideas about homosexuality and his own conflicted sexuality.
The third chapter, "Action," is based on Mishima's novel Runaway Horses. It tells the story of a young nationalist named Isao who plans a coup d'etat to restore the power of the Japanese emperor. This chapter explores Mishima's ideas about nationalism and his own political activism.
The fourth and final chapter, "The Harmony of Pen and Sword," depicts the events of November 25th, 1970, when Mishima and four members of his private army, the Tatenokai, stormed the Tokyo headquarters of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Mishima delivered a speech to the soldiers and attempted to inspire them to join his cause, but they rejected him. Mishima then committed seppuku, a ritual suicide, in front of his followers.
The film uses a non-linear narrative structure, blending scenes from Mishima's life with scenes from his fiction, as well as stylized reenactments of his plays and performances. It also features original music by composer Philip Glass. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival.