3 Act Story Structure with Save the Cat's Beat Sheet — Parasite Movie Explained in 15 Beats

Summary

This video explores the narrative structure of Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite' through the lens of popular story frameworks, such as the Hero’s Journey, Save the Cat, and Story Circle. The script delves into the film's subversion of these structures, examining how it blends tradition with innovation. Using Ki-woo's journey as a focal point, the analysis highlights key story beats, including the opening image, theme stated, catalyst, and midpoint. The video further explores how the Kim family's con, their moral dilemmas, and their tragic end challenge the idea of upward social mobility, ultimately reflecting the film's deeper themes on wealth inequality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Story structures like the Hero's Journey, Story Circle, and Save the Cat are not arbitrary but based on patterns found in thousands of years of storytelling.
• 😀 These structures create expectations that audiences subconsciously recognize and anticipate in all genres, languages, and eras of storytelling.
• 😀 Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite' masterfully follows and subverts these storytelling expectations, offering both a fresh narrative and a commentary on social issues.
• 😀 The opening image of 'Parasite' introduces the Kim family's desperate situation and sets the stage for their journey.
• 😀 The theme of upward mobility is established early through Ki-woo’s belief that hard work can help his family rise out of poverty.
• 😀 'Parasite' effectively uses character setups to establish Ki-woo's intelligence and deceitful charm, making us empathize with him despite his actions.
• 😀 The catalyst in the story occurs when Ki-woo is offered a tutoring job for the wealthy Park family, which sets the plot in motion.
• 😀 The 'B Story' revolves around Ki-woo's father, Ki-taek, whose past failures challenge the belief in upward mobility and ultimately serve as a lesson for Ki-woo.
• 😀 The midpoint of the film marks a dramatic twist when the past reappears, and the Kim family's successful con begins to unravel.
• 😀 The final image mirrors the opening shot, showing Ki-woo's unchanged belief in upward mobility, but highlighting the tragic impossibility of his dream.
• 😀 The structure of 'Parasite' follows a traditional beat sheet but breaks conventions in the finale, showing that not every hero’s journey ends with success or transformation.

Q & A

What is the central theme explored in 'Parasite'?

The central theme of 'Parasite' revolves around wealth inequality and social mobility. The film critiques the belief in upward mobility, showing how the Kim family’s attempts to rise above their social status lead to tragic consequences.

How does 'Parasite' subvert traditional story structures?

'Parasite' subverts traditional story structures like the 'Save the Cat' beat sheet by following the typical story beats but often in unexpected or ironic ways. The film plays with expectations, especially with its dark ending, where the hero's journey does not conclude with transformation or success.

What is the significance of the opening image in 'Parasite'?

The opening image in 'Parasite' is significant as it establishes the Kim family's dire social and economic situation. It also serves as a visual metaphor for their struggle and sets up the thematic exploration of upward mobility that is revisited in the final shot.

How does the 'Catalyst' work in 'Parasite'?

The 'Catalyst' in 'Parasite' occurs when Ki-woo is offered a tutoring job by his friend Min. This opportunity sets the plot in motion, marking the beginning of the Kim family's con as they infiltrate the wealthy Park family’s household.

What role does Ki-taek play in the story, and what does he represent?

Ki-taek, Ki-woo's father, serves as the closest character to a mentor in 'Parasite'. He represents the failure of the belief in upward mobility, as his past business ventures have all failed, underscoring the theme that hard work alone may not lead to success in a system rigged against the poor.

What happens at the 'Midpoint' of 'Parasite' and how does it change the direction of the plot?

At the 'Midpoint' of 'Parasite', the Kim family’s success reaches its peak, but the arrival of Moon-gwang and her husband, hiding in the basement, changes everything. This moment serves as a pivotal plot twist, flipping the story on its head and setting the stage for the family's downfall.

What is the function of the 'Bad Guys Close In' beat in 'Parasite'?

In 'Parasite', the 'Bad Guys Close In' beat occurs when the Kim family’s deception begins to unravel. The threat of exposure by Moon-gwang and her husband, coupled with the tension from their lies, forces the Kim family to confront the possibility of their downfall.

How does the 'All Is Lost' beat manifest in 'Parasite'?

The 'All Is Lost' beat occurs when the Parks unexpectedly return home, forcing the Kim family to hide their deception. This moment represents the lowest point for the characters as their carefully constructed lives begin to fall apart, with Ki-taek facing humiliation and the realization of his family's precarious situation.

What is the significance of the final shot in 'Parasite'?

The final shot of 'Parasite' mirrors the opening image but in a darker, more somber tone. It highlights the cyclical nature of Ki-woo's journey, emphasizing the idea that despite his optimism and plans, he remains trapped in the same social position, unable to escape the cycle of poverty.

What does Ki-woo's character arc represent in 'Parasite'?

Ki-woo’s character arc represents the naive belief in upward mobility and the consequences of that belief. His journey from hope to tragedy reflects the harsh realities of social inequality, with his unfulfilled dreams and the destruction of his family symbolizing the impossibility of overcoming entrenched class divisions.