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Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters is an immense, operatic achievement that explores the strange and fascinating life of the acclaimed and controversial Japanese acclaimed author, playwright and poet Yukio Mishima (1925-1970). Eschewing the traditional linear structure of a biopic, Paul Schrader mixes scenes from different stages of Mishima's life and hyper-stylised adaptations of his novels to present a kaleidoscopic portrait of the enigmatic figure.

The intersection of sex, violence and obsession that comprise Mishima’s life is fertile ground for Schrader, who presents each section of the film with its own distinct aesthetic, further elevated by Philip Glass’s formidable soundtrack and Eiko Ishioka’s inventive production design. The film remains one of the most daring screen biopics ever produced and perhaps the greatest directorial achievement of Schrader's career.