'Parasite' Director Bong Joon-ho Breaks Down the Opening Scene | Vanity Fair

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Woo-shik and director Bong Joon-ho delve into the making of the film 'Parasite.' They explore themes of class disparity, symbolized by the unique setting of a semi-basement home and the significance of a bizarre gift—a scholar's stone. This stone represents economic differences and sets off a chain of events that leads to the family's infiltration of the wealthy Park household. The conversation highlights the nuances of character portrayals, the deliberate production design, and the film's subtle commentary on social issues, ultimately showcasing how 'Parasite' resonates with contemporary audiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 The film 'Parasite' explores the stark contrasts between the rich and the poor in contemporary society.
• 🎬 Director Bong Joon-Ho emphasizes the naturalness of storytelling about social class issues in today's world.
• 🏠 Ki-woo's living situation in a semi-basement reflects the struggles of the economically disadvantaged in Korea.
• 🎭 The set design and VFX were crucial in creating the film's realistic portrayal of different social environments.
• 🔮 The scholar stone gifted to Ki-woo's family symbolizes aspirations and the disparity between social classes.
• 😲 The unusual gift highlights the differences in cultural norms regarding wealth and social status.
• 👨‍🎓 Ki-woo's character represents the desire to transcend economic limitations through deception.
• 🔍 The theme of 'pretending' is vital as Ki-woo navigates his role as an English tutor to infiltrate the wealthy family.
• ⚖️ The story illustrates the complexities of identity and ambition in the context of social class infiltration.
• 🙏 Woo-shik expresses gratitude for his role in 'Parasite,' acknowledging its profound impact on his personal growth.

Q & A

What is the central theme discussed by Bong Joon-ho in the video?

Bong Joon-ho discusses the natural occurrence of class distinctions between the rich and poor in contemporary society, emphasizing the everyday encounters that inspire stories like 'Parasite.'

How does Woo-shik describe the setting of his character's home?

Woo-shik describes his character's home as a semi-basement, which reflects a specific way of living for poorer individuals in Korea. It symbolizes a space that is halfway between being underground and above ground, offering a glimmer of hope.

What role does the scholar stone play in the film according to Woo-shik?

The scholar stone is introduced as a strange gift that symbolizes Ki-woo's desire and serves as an important plot point, representing the economic disparity between Ki-woo and the wealthier characters.

Why is the gifting of the scholar stone considered unusual?

Bong notes that giving a stone as a gift is quite bizarre in Korea, especially between families from different economic backgrounds, making the moment significant in the narrative.

What does Bong Joon-ho mean by 'soft crime' in the context of the film?

Bong describes the crime depicted in the film as subtle and not serious, suggesting that the characters engage in actions that blur moral boundaries without crossing into overt criminality.

How did the filmmakers achieve the look of the semi-basement in the film?

Bong Joon-ho explains that while the semi-basement appears to be a real location, it was actually created on a set, with the production design team doing an impressive job to craft the environment.

What is significant about the moment when the bus passes in the background?

The bus's passage symbolizes the transition between the normal world and the world of crime, marking a pivotal moment in the film where the characters' lives begin to intertwine with moral ambiguity.

What do the characters need to present to work as a tutor for the rich family?

Ki-woo needs to present a diploma or degree to secure the tutoring job, which raises questions about his identity and motivations, highlighting themes of deception and social mobility.

How does Woo-shik's portrayal of Ki-woo reflect his social status?

Woo-shik describes Ki-woo's clothing and demeanor as ordinary and humble, indicating his lower socioeconomic status. The costume design aimed to create a realistic representation of a young, poor individual in Korea.

What impact did being part of 'Parasite' have on Woo-shik personally?

Woo-shik expresses gratitude for being part of the 'Parasite' crew, stating that the experience changed him significantly and boosted his confidence and sense of identity.