There is no other anime that manages to make me feel as uncomfortable and as if I’m being read like an open book quite like Paranoia Agent. I picked up this anime solely on promotional art looking cool, having no prior knowledge about it. I had no clue it would be one of the most creative, daunting, and psychologically terrifying shows I’ve ever seen. Though despite its horror and ambiguous nature, the message it gets across is ultimately one of self-empowerment. How can a series that’s a thriller first and foremost have one of the most potent messages of all time?
I was immediately drawn in by the show's distinct artstyle. The way it was able to evoke emotions within me that no show before it had from its visuals alone is a testament to how perfectly the art style lends itself to this type of story. The colors it uses are drab and dreary. The setting of the show, being a reflection of ours, is filled with towns crammed with cars and pedestrians emitting so much heat that you’ll want to get some fresh air. The character’s designs resemble people of our world, but with exaggerated features. For example, a guy who’s overweight will slightly resemble a frog. And a cute character will lack detailed facial features to accentuate their cuteness. Attention to detail is not all the visuals have going for it. The series also utilizes shots such as close ups, dutch angles, and transitions in creative ways to make what the characters are feeling in a given scene also applicable to the viewer. In various episodes the show taps into other art styles that better articulates the episode’s intent, rather than just for the sake of looking cool. While watching the show, not only did I feel like I was having a mirror aimed at me, but also that the person holding the mirror was saying, ”Look at how ugly and pathetic you all are”.
But what gives me the sense that this show is lampooning me? Because the show is about dilemmas that everyone faces at some point. Procrastination, ignoring reality, hating our situations, having unhealthy outlets for dealing with pressure, and a poor outlook on life in general. This isn’t a by the numbers show telling its viewers that consuming too much media is bad. The way the show handles the subject matter is more nuanced and better articulated than that. Think less “consumption = bad” and more “why are we doing the things we do? Why am I afraid to face reality head on? And am I truly happy with my life?”. That’s as much detail as I’ll go into regarding the themes of the plot because the best part of this anime is watching the events unfold and how it uses its unique brand of storytelling to convey its theme.
Having just referenced the theme of this show, you likely imagined the show having some fat otaku lurking in his room and the show portraying his situation as less than desirable. And yeah, it does have that in a couple scenes. But it’s not crucial, nor is it the only example the show uses to exemplify its message, far from it. You will find episodes of all subject matter throughout. Some people will consider certain episodes filler, but I disagree. As every development that happens in reference to either Maromi or Shonen-Bat is necessary to convey the magnitude of the situation. The events that happen in the episodes are so uncannily similar to the real world that it’s disturbing. The show goes out of its way to make the viewer feel what the characters are feeling in that moment to a tee. You’ll be feeling uncomfortable, disturbed, paranoid, and possibly even sweaty while watching it.
The whole experience feels so surreal and yet so cinematic as if you're watching a film in a theater. That’s thanks in part to the writing and the directing by Satoshi Kon. Earlier I mentioned the names Maromi and Shonen Bat without a proper introduction to them, and that was intentional. Though I brought them back up because of the way Satoshi Kon utilizes these two, let’s just say “characters”, to go beyond being thematic antagonists. Or in other words, the bad guys. Because by pointing the finger at them for causing all the problems the characters are having, then you’re doing exactly what the show is calling you out for. Despite the fact that Shonen-bat’s authenticity is always being called into question and I was always on edge on what exactly he was up until the end, you feel a looming presence throughout the show no matter if you question his legitimacy or not. There is also a spectacular moment with one of the detective’s wive’s stands up to shounen-bat in her own unique way. Shounen Bat is not the only presence you feel stalking your viewing experience. As a piece of Maromi merchandise is almost always present throughout each episode. These entities manifest themselves into larger than life creatures both literally and figuratively.
Speaking of figuratively, the show is not afraid to try out new things and get philosophical. It will present situations, perspectives, and ideas that’d otherwise have no business in a story like this. It will have episodes dealing with suicide, animation, JRPG’s, using your family for ulterior motives, envy, robbery, and prostitution. It holds no punches and it manages to find the least appealing aspects of everyday mundane life and turn it into a psychological roller coaster of emotions. The dialogue between characters is authentic and true to life, almost scarily so that it must be commemorated. As are their thoughts and actions during their interactions with one another. This is partially due in part to the amazing voice acting performances. Though there is not a single poor performance, I’d say the stand out ones came from Shōzō Iizuka and Toshihiko Seki as the two detectives. They have great chemistry together, and play off each other so well that they did a damn fine job convincing me that these two detectives have been in the game together for a hot minute.
In regards to the rest of the show’s audio department, the soundtrack is also audaciously delicious. From the opening’s bombastic and attention grabbing yodels, to the ED’s awkward yet soothing synth slumber inducing vibe. The soundtrack is able to encapsulate the same emotions as the show but in audio form. That’s thanks to Susumu Hirasawa. Other tracks such as Focus are also noteworthy. That song is the theme that plays when little slugger is about to strike, it uses irregular synth note patterns and chime-like titters to make me feel as if I’m being stalked as prey. But don’t be scared away from listening to this, because the OST isn’t all synth songs that make you feel like you’re being hunted. Koufuku is a ballad of acoustic guitars and harmonies in the background that makes it feel like everything is going to be alright. It also samples the yodeling from the opening, but it’s much less intimidating as if we’ve reached nirvana and a state of acceptance. Those are just some of my favorite examples, but rest assured it’s a beautifully crafted assault of your eardrum’s sense of security.
Paranoia Agent is a show that manages to make me feel like I’m being read like an open book. How can a series that’s a thriller first and foremost have one of the most potent and positive messages of all time? Because not only is the presentation of the show’s story and character arcs so enveloping, but it's the way the show chooses to present itself that’s so off-putting yet alluring. The show holds a mirror up to the viewer and our world with a reflection that’s not so pretty. Because even if the ending may seem vague and gloomy to some, I took it as the show stating that the best life to live is an honest one, where you take on the problems life presents you instead of running away from them. Accepting what’s happened, even if it was tragic, learning to grow from that experience and be able to approach life with a positive outlook thereafter. That’s why it’s one of my favorite series of all time.
