Coda is a film that takes it's time. It develops tension and mystery in the most uncommon places, creating an atmosphere which feels intimate and personal. Seeing Sakamoto's creative process on film is simply astonishing, and the way which director Stephen Nomura Schible composed said sequences, feels like a perfectly executed masterclass. Coda is a film which understands it's subject, and instead of imitating countless other documentaries, it instead's creates it's own freelance format through the power of storytelling.
However, it's unfortunate to say, while Coda is frequently on tempo, and moves at a brisk speed, the overall focus feels way to off key. There's so much material in this film that makes the end product feel both overwhelming and unfocused. It's hard to pin point what this film is really about.
Is it about Sakamoto's Cancer Experience?
Is it about Sakamoto's Previous Work With Film?
Is it about Sakamoto's influences?
Is it about Sakamoto's new composition work?
Is it about Sakamoto's Environmental Activism?
Coda attempts to answer all these questions, but instead feels half-baked when the credit's role. The lack of focus makes the film feel a bit overwhelming and emotionally hollow by the time the credit's role. It's a real shame to. All this film needed was a bit of trimming, and we could have had a priceless documentary on our hands.
Coda is a pretty good effort from new-comer Stephen Nomura Schible. He understands the documentary medium and puts great admiration towards his subject's. Coda, while a bit out of tuned, still manages to impress and give tribute to one of best composers living today. Sakamoto will never be forgotten, and his work will live on forever, no matter how obscure or random his sounds can be.
Rating: 7.5/10
