Hong Sangsoo on Woman on the Beach | From the FLC Archives

Summary

In this engaging interview, the filmmaker discusses his collaboration with actress Oh Ko-hyun-jung and his distinctive approach to storytelling, emphasizing improvisation and the importance of familiar locations. He reflects on the resurgence of Korean cinema in the 1990s, highlighting the newfound creative freedom that emerged post-dictatorship. The conversation also explores the autobiographical nature of his films and the evolving representation of women in cinema, noting how female characters increasingly drive the narrative. The filmmaker's insights into his creative process and the influences that shape his work offer a rich perspective on contemporary filmmaking.

Takeaways

• 😀 The actress Ko Hyun-jung expressed admiration for the filmmaker's work, leading to their collaboration, although they met by chance.
• 🎥 The filmmaker often writes treatments for films without a specific actor in mind, allowing for creative spontaneity during the process.
• 📝 Improvisation plays a significant role in the filmmaker's style, with actors contributing to dialogues and actions during shooting.
• 🌍 The choice of filming locations is deliberate, with the filmmaker preferring familiar settings to evoke authentic responses and creativity.
• 🌼 The filmmaker aimed to capture the essence of spring in this film, indicating a strong connection between narrative and seasonality.
• 🎬 The surge in popularity of Korean cinema in the 1990s is attributed to the influx of young, talented filmmakers and actors post-dictatorship.
• 🧑‍🎨 The filmmaker acknowledges that his characters, often filmmakers themselves, reflect aspects of his personality and experiences, blended with influences from multiple individuals.
• 📽️ The filmmaker values the collaborative relationship with the cinematographer, focusing on both technical skill and personal compatibility.
• 💰 Financial backing for filmmaking remains challenging, but there is optimism about the future with the relaxation of quotas for Western films.
• 👩‍🦰 This film showcases a shift where female characters drive the narrative more than male characters, evolving the filmmaker's traditional storytelling approach.

Q & A

How did the actress Ko Hyun-jung get involved with the film?

Ko Hyun-jung expressed her admiration for the director's films during an accidental meeting, which led to her desire to work with him.

What unique approach does the director take when writing scripts?

The director starts with a 20-page treatment and allows actors to contribute to the dialogue and action, postponing final decisions until the shooting days.

What influences the director's choice of filming locations?

He prefers to shoot in familiar locations to avoid the immediate, unrefined responses that come from new environments, which allows for more nuanced creativity.

What role does improvisation play in the director's filmmaking process?

Improvisation is a significant part of his process; he encourages actors to bring their input, which fosters a more dynamic and collaborative shooting environment.

How does the director feel about the current popularity of Korean cinema?

He attributes the boom in Korean cinema to the emergence of talented young filmmakers and actors post-dictatorship, as well as increased freedom and resources for creative expression.

Is there an autobiographical aspect to the director's films?

While his films reflect his personal experiences and decisions, he combines traits from various people to create characters, avoiding direct autobiography.

How does the director describe his collaboration with his cinematographer?

He values the gentle and decent personality of his cinematographer, which complements his own style, emphasizing a strong working relationship built on mutual respect.

What challenges does the director face in securing funding for his films?

He finds it consistently challenging to secure sponsorship due to his unconventional approach to filmmaking and the unique nature of his projects.

What impact does the director anticipate from the influx of Western films in Korea?

He believes it could positively influence the system but is concerned about the potential reduction in opportunities for local filmmakers.

What thematic shift is observed in the director's latest film regarding character dynamics?

The latest film notably features women driving the narrative more than men, which emerged organically during the development process with the lead actress.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Insights into Collaboration and Storytelling

In this part of the transcript, the conversation revolves around the actress Ko Hyun-jung and her admiration for the filmmaker, who explains that their meeting was accidental and she expressed her interest in his work. The filmmaker discusses the process of writing the script, mentioning that he initially did not have a specific actress in mind when crafting the treatment. He describes his filmmaking style, emphasizing improvisation with actors, where he begins with a rough treatment and collaborates closely with the cast during shooting. The conversation also touches on the significance of the locations chosen for films, which are familiar to the filmmaker to avoid reliance on instinctual responses. He highlights how the mental background of the season impacts storytelling. The filmmaker notes the rising popularity of Korean cinema since the 1990s, attributing it to a surge of young talent and the country's transition to a more creative and affluent environment. Additionally, he reflects on the recurring theme of filmmakers as lead characters in his films, suggesting a blend of autobiographical elements and influences from various sources.

05:00

📽️ The Role of Women and Narrative Development

This part delves deeper into the filmmaker's creative process and relationships, particularly with his cinematographer. He describes the importance of their collaboration and how their different personalities contribute to the filmmaking experience. The filmmaker acknowledges the influence of past Korean filmmakers but admits to a lack of thorough exploration of their works due to insufficient archival systems. The discussion also touches on the financial challenges in filmmaking, emphasizing that securing funding remains difficult. He expresses optimism about the relaxation of quotas on Western films in South Korea, believing it could foster a healthier cinematic environment. A significant theme arises regarding the narrative focus in his latest film, where the female characters seem to drive the story more than the male characters. The filmmaker reveals that while he initially thought the ending would revolve around a male character, working closely with the actress led him to allow her character to take the lead, illustrating his adaptable approach to storytelling.

Keywords

💡Improvisation

Improvisation refers to the spontaneous creation of dialogue and actions by actors during filming, often without a fixed script. In the video, the director discusses how he prepares a treatment but allows actors to contribute to their dialogue during shoots. This approach fosters a dynamic and organic interaction among cast members, enabling a more authentic portrayal of characters and emotions.

💡Cinematography

Cinematography is the art of capturing visual images for film through the use of cameras, lighting, and shot composition. The director emphasizes the collaborative relationship he has with his cinematographer, highlighting the importance of their personalities and creative synergy in shaping the film's visual narrative. This partnership enhances the storytelling by crafting scenes that resonate emotionally with the audience.

💡Korean Cinema

Korean cinema refers to the film industry in South Korea, which has gained global recognition since the 1990s. The director notes a boom in filmmaking during this period due to a new wave of talented young filmmakers emerging after the dictatorship era. The popularity of Korean films worldwide is attributed to this newfound creative freedom and a rich cultural narrative that resonates with diverse audiences.

💡Narrative Structure

Narrative structure is the framework that underpins the plot and storytelling in a film. The director mentions recurring elements, such as doubling and character arcs, which shape his films' narratives. In this particular film, he notes that the female characters drive the story more than in previous works, marking a shift in narrative focus and reflecting changing societal roles.

💡Character Development

Character development is the process by which characters evolve and grow throughout a story. The director speaks about how he didn't initially plan for a particular character to lead the story, but as he worked with the actress, her portrayal naturally shaped the narrative's direction. This highlights the fluidity of character arcs in his films, emphasizing the actors' influence on their roles.

💡Cultural Influence

Cultural influence pertains to how societal and historical contexts shape artistic expression. The director attributes the flourishing of Korean cinema to the post-dictatorship era, where freedom of creativity blossomed alongside increased wealth. This context allowed filmmakers to explore diverse themes and narratives, ultimately enriching the global cinematic landscape.

💡Treatment

In film, a treatment is a detailed outline of a story that includes its plot, characters, and key scenes. The director explains that he begins with about 20 pages of treatment, which serves as a foundation for his films. However, he allows for flexibility in the storytelling process, adapting the treatment based on actor interactions and spontaneous developments during filming.

💡Collaboration

Collaboration in filmmaking refers to the joint efforts of various creative professionals, including directors, actors, and cinematographers. The director highlights his collaborative process with the cast, where he conducts interviews and dialogues before shooting. This teamwork results in a shared vision for the film, fostering a supportive environment that enhances creativity.

💡Themes of Freedom

Themes of freedom encompass the exploration of personal and creative liberties in storytelling. The director reflects on how the shift from a dictatorship to a more open society allowed filmmakers to express themselves more freely. This newfound freedom is essential to understanding the motivations and artistic choices behind Korean cinema's evolving narratives.

💡Real-Life Experiences

Real-life experiences refer to events from the director's life that inspire and inform his storytelling. He discusses drawing from personal anecdotes, such as his encounters in Vietnam, which influenced specific sequences in the film. This blending of reality and fiction creates a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonates deeply with viewers.

Highlights

Ko Hyun-jung admired the filmmaker's work and expressed interest in collaborating.

The filmmaker prefers to write treatments and dialogue based on real experiences and interactions.

The interaction with a restaurant staff member in Vietnam influenced a key scene in the film.

The filmmaking process involves interviewing actors and crafting scenes based on those interactions.

The director shoots films in familiar locations to stimulate authentic responses.

Seasonal settings play a significant role in the film's emotional backdrop.

Korean cinema's global appeal has grown since the 1990s due to the influx of young filmmakers.

The director combines traits from multiple real-life people to create nuanced characters.

A unique relationship exists between the director and the cinematographer, characterized by mutual respect.

Financial challenges persist for filmmakers, impacting production capabilities.

Western film imports may influence the Korean film industry, but the director remains optimistic.

The film features a narrative shift where female characters drive the story, a departure from traditional male-centered narratives.

Improvisation plays a critical role in the filmmaking process, allowing actors to contribute to dialogue.

The director acknowledges the importance of creative freedom following South Korea's dictatorship period.

Audience responses inform the director's decisions during the filmmaking process.

Transcripts

[Applause]

I want to start with a brief question

about the actress who played the lead in

the film and wondering she contacted you

is that correct - about wanting to work

with you because she admired your films

Oh

ko hyun-jung oh yeah not contacted we

just met accidentally kind she said she

liked my feeling and I like to read so I

trust very much that's who and she'd

been a very popular television actress

yes long time ago and then she got

married to this very wealthy person and

then they got divorced

yeah and then she returned to work drama

TV drama and this was her first feeling

and you wrote the part specifically for

her I cannot really say that I was a of

course aware that she is going to be the

actress but why I was writing treatment

i I wasn't really thinking about her

like that did you say question yep Jack

this is a question about songs whose use

of the zoom lens and it's something that

people also remarked on with tale of

cinema your last film I just wanted to

choose it a question about improvisation

whether the songs who actually works

improvisationally with these actors and

also whether the incident and the

restaurant and the subsequent and it was

the motorcycle is something that really

happened because it seems too weird not

to have been real or there's a separate

oh I have a separate experiences oh I

had some arguments with the rage on

restaurant person but that in that harsh

way

when I was in Vietnam they were so this

cycling bicycle man and he was following

me around and I I got really scared a

long time ago and then I maybe that's

the two sources and I combined them into

the sequence and then there's the

question about improvisation

oh I start with about 20 pages of

treatment and then my cast actually an

actress and I interviewed them a lot and

then I shoot in in order so every

morning I I write the tasting

we usually have two or three scenes

every day I should so I in the money I

write them so at that moment of writing

I decide everything so I try to postpone

as much as I can before deciding what

dialogue what action they are going to

do so even the dialogues I have with

actors before the shooting they can come

into that dialogue

do you ever get any resistance from the

actors to work that way I think in the

in the beginning they kind of you know

scared because I don't give them the

full script yeah but after two or three

times over shooting they kind of enjoyed

a question about the play specific

nature of song Susa films and how every

film is situated in a particular locale

particular milieu and whether or not

that influences the action of the film's

oh it's like a like weirder

[Music]

but the accuracy is location is same you

know it gives me a lots of a stimulation

so I choose carefully I don't want to go

to a totally new place because then I'm

I'm afraid I might have a responses that

is very faster to become because it's a

new place I first first response I get

is you you know still type responses so

I try to shoot in the places I know

already so I can have something else

than just to type responses and you

wanted to shoot this film in springtime

he told me I cannot explain but I just

want first thing comes up to me so

usually season

it was in the treatment I don't know why

I died I wanted to put that people and

all story in between this kind of mental

background if I can but would you agree

that it at the center of the film hmm I

didn't know what what I really wanted to

put that story question about the

popularity of Korean cinema more and

more of them have become popular and

known over here and what is the there

that's particularly in cinema and what

is there that's general that's global

that appeals to the world at large

around the beginning of 1990s many young

people start coming into the film making

many talented people acting that's why

you have this boom I cannot really

explain how how did how it is like that

baby because we just got out of this

dictatorship period and you had a long

period of this before the period all the

young young people were reading a lot

you know they already delayed into

literature I think that's one of the

ground

you know they read a lot and then they

got cut out of dictatorships or J of

this you know first of all I can say the

freedom in any creativity and then we

become little more wealthy so we could

make more freedom strengthing you know

we had more money I think that these

things are them with the ground this is

a question about the the recurrence of

lead characters who are filmmakers is it

autobiographical seems like I said bad

autobiographical in the sense that

because all the decisions of us even

small things are done by myself so it

reflects myself but any any personality

in my feeling is total was copy of it or

someone in the origin I always tried to

combine so I can feel fear because if I

know I'm really cutting from real person

right I cannot work because I feel you

know you might not like but I feel him

you know I tried to combine even in long

dialogues there are sources coming from

like four different people

are there any specific film makers or

film cultures around the world that are

that are an influence on sangsu I have

many filmmakers I really like but now oh

you know I do me when you're many many a

question about songs whose relationship

with the cinematographer how much time

do they work together how much time do

they spend composing the shots it's it

is kind of a remarkable relationship

this is third filling I work with

cinematographer and the first thing I

liked about him is he's very gentle

decent person and has a different kind

of personality from myself so I just

wanted to be around with him

I was here as a good technique and

everything but it was more important

thing and I usually choose to angle

another question of about influence are

there any Korean filmmakers past or

present that have affected songs who and

another question about finance and

whether it's getting any easier or more

difficult I'm I'm not just saying this

but I think there are many really good

directors in the past but because of all

we don't have this so good archive and

the system to screen so I haven't seen

many I'm lazy too so I I'm trying to see

more of them about money I didn't know

it because my my feeling never be cool

so it's always hard to sponsor do you

think that the relaxation of quarters of

western films coming in is going to

affect you yes I think it's a good

system but they reduce the dates do you

think it's gonna have an effect on the

way that you make films it's really late

but it's a question about a particular

development in this film that there are

certain things that are you know that

have been repeated throughout songs

whose films like doubling and and the

way that the narrative develops but then

this film it's true does seem to be more

the women characters do seem to drive

the narrative more than the men and that

is something new Oh in the beginning I

in the treatment I didn't know but the

feeling will end with a man or

teacher how it stood but but but as I

started working with this a woman the

actress I I knew that she is going to

lead the story and she's going to be the

person who ends filling it so it's

largely because what she who she respond

to them I don't have this preconceived

so all the things in the treatment is

kind of a excuse stuff to start process

and then I respond with all the elements

in the mid the process

report to either

okay wrap it up for today thanks

everybody for coming and thank you so

soon

[Applause]

you