The Sound of Insects: Record of a Mummy (2009, Peter Liechti)

I'm not sure how factual this is, although it claims to be 'based on a true story' as well as a novel by the Japanese writer, Masahiko Shimada. The source material seems to be a bit of a mystery, but however, "The Sound of Insects: Record of a Mummy" is a pretty powerful exploration into the depths of human suffering from a self-inflicted viewpoint.

In the beginning, it's explained that a hunter came across a small hut containing the mummified remains of a unknown man with a diary next to him. The writings detail the first hand struggle of the man who commited suicide, via self-induced starvation.

"The Sound of Insects" consist of no actual characters or storyline, instead just showing quiet nature shots (trees, bugs, sky, rainfall, etc.) accompanied by voice over narration of the daily diary entries. There are also shots of people walking around a train station, an opera singer and some random "artsy" black and white segments, which all gives way to a very forlorn, disconsolate ambience. Because of this, I'd safely say this film isn't for everyone, as it is basically just a comprehensive account of what it's like to starve to death over the course of 62 days.

So, if you can appreciate hypnotic and highly depressing films, I would definitely recommend "The Sound of Insects". I found it rather fascinating and would really like to know who this was actually based on, if it was, in fact, based on an actual man.