Hideo Kojima Loved Whalefall, but It Ruined Eating Squid for Him
Hideo Kojima, the legendary Metal Gear Solid creator and avowed film enthusiast, has expressed strong appreciation for the film Whalefall, which follows protagonist Austin Abrams attempting to escape from inside a sperm whale’s belly. Based on Daniel Kraus’s novel, the film explores a Steinbeck-like examination of the relationship between whales and humans within a broader ecosystem, interwoven with themes of familial bonds between father and son. Kojima praised the film’s outstanding visual effects and its literary approach to these interconnected themes.
The film resonated deeply with Kojima, whose affection for whales dates back to his school days. However, the viewing experience has had an unexpected side effect: Kojima revealed that Whalefall has effectively deterred him from eating squid in the near future, illustrating the emotional and thematic impact the film had on the industry veteran.