Hideaki Anno Admits Being a Fool During Creation of Neon Genesis Evangelion

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In my opinion, no other anime out there quite matches the intricate complexity of Neon Genesis Evangelion. It’s not just about mechs; it redefined the genre and left an indelible mark on countless other productions across various themes.

The impact of Neon Genesis Evangelion goes beyond just the entertainment industry, and it’s no simple feat to produce something as profound as this animated series. A significant part of its appeal lies in the self-reflective nature of its creator, Hideaki Anno.

The influence of Neon Genesis Evangelion is felt across industries, and creating it wasn’t an easy task. However, one reason for its captivating essence can be attributed to Hideaki Anno’s self-awareness as the creator.

Without his intellect and spirit, it wouldn’t have felt the same. Psychology plays a significant role in the series “Neon Genesis Evangelion“, and Anno delves deeply into this aspect. He acknowledges that working on “Neon Genesis Evangelion” provided him with valuable insights about himself, both positive and negative.

Neon Genesis Evangelion exposes your own flaws, something Hideaki Anno realized about himself

Although Neon Genesis Evangelion has sparked countless memes within the anime community, it’s also one of the most substantial franchises out there. Delving into its narrative can provoke an existential crisis in a short span of episodes, suggesting that crafting such a profound and thought-provoking series wasn’t a simple mental endeavor for the creators.

As a devoted fan, I’ve come to appreciate Hideaki Anno for crafting complex characters that aren’t always easy to love – like the intriguing Shinji Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion. Unlike the typical hero who exudes confidence, Shinji is a character riddled with self-doubt and fear, often coming across as a timid coward. At times, his struggles can be frustrating to watch. Yet, it’s precisely this complexity that makes him so compelling. Anno masterfully delves into the human condition through these nuanced characters, offering us a profound exploration of what it truly means to be human.

The artist doesn’t shy away from exposing his weaknesses, contributing to the deep psychological portrayal of his characters. He penned Neon Genesis Evangelion following a four-year battle with clinical depression. This personal struggle is what gives the series its intense, unsettling quality.

At Anime Expo 1996, during a press conference, Hideaki Anno shared that the series he created provided him with valuable insight into his own personality. It served as a significant aid during his bouts of depression, revealing aspects of himself that he may have otherwise remained unaware. He put it this way: “The series I made showed me who I truly was.

Through the creation of ‘Evangelion’, I discovered my true self and realized that I am indeed quite foolish.

Was the creation of Evangelion serving a therapeutic purpose for him, or was it something deeper? Referring to himself as a fool isn’t inherently negative; rather, it was a characteristic that felt authentic to him, and to many others. Developing such a weighty series could not have been an easy task, and through the process, he came to understand his own human limitations.

What Hideaki Anno meant by “I’m a fool”

Despite being renowned as a legendary figure, it’s important to remember that the director is just like any other person. It took him a while to acknowledge his own mistakes, as he finally understood his innocence, immaturity in handling emotions, and the potential hurt he may have caused others. Just like everyone else, he has his boundaries and limitations.

Characters in fiction aren’t the only ones with complexity; we humans share that trait as well. Hideaki Anno seemed to delve deep into his own mind while crafting Evangelion. While this might seem philosophical to fans, it’s essentially a psychological exploration. It may have provided him significant relief during his bouts of depression.

The emotional sensitivity of the characters in the series sets it apart from other mecha genres. It’s not the Angels or robots that make it unique; rather, it’s the character development and growth that truly distinguishes it. Anno crafted a series that invites us to reflect on our inner selves, much like he did during its creation.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is available on Netflix.

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2025-04-18 11:01