I was delighted to watch Spirited Away again since it's been a while. I remember in one of Napier's chapters, she talks about this film being one of excess, and I think No Face truly embodies that in his character design and personality. Talking in class about the concept behind No Face really got me thinking about his purpose in the film. What is he about, exactly? He acts as a mirror, taking in and regurgitating actions and intentions, such as greed and gluttony. In the bathhouse, he takes on a persona that seems poisoned and irregular. Being around others who feel trapped by material items and wealth changes No Face into an abuser of the system to get what he wants, which is company. He learns quickly the values of the bathhouse community and uses them to fill the void that exists in him for companionship. Chihiro specifically mentions to Lin as they make their way to the train stop that No Face only acts as a monster inside the bathhouse, but outside he was friendly and fine. There is a clear barrier being crossed and defining of two different societies. Chihiro is in tune with No Face's ability to be both useful and also destructive. It's unclear though exactly how she knows what situations No Face is destructive in or not. She places a trust and forgiveness in him that no other person does besides Zeniba.
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