Parasite: Cinematography Of A Modern Classic

Through it's double-edged festival and mainstream audience success, many might categorise Bong Joon-Ho's Parasite as a 'contemporary classic'. A large part of the film's status could be attributed to its precise, refined cinematography by Hong Kyung-Pyo.

This episode of Cinematography Breakdown will analyse the visuals of Parasite through the lens of three concepts: framing, perspective and layers. By looking at the technical camera and lighting gear, and deconstructing how certain scenes were shot, I'll try to illuminate how the cinematography of the movie informs the storytelling overall.

0:00 Introduction
0:55 Background
02:35 Gear
04:12 Scene 1: Kim’s Semi-Basement
06:48 Scene 2: Park’s House
09:01 Conclusion

Source

Music
Sir Cubworth - 'People Watching'
Sir Cubworth - 'Butterflies In Love'
Jesse Gallagher - 'Venkatesananda'
Text Me Records / Leviathe - 'Vanity Reprise'

[InDepthCine]

I've always been a huge fan of Bong Joon-Ho (if you haven't seen Memories of Murder you should, it's incredible) so it was fun putting this video together. If you haven't seen Parasite I recommend you watch it before viewing this, as there may be minor spoilers in the video.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the film, the cinematography or the work of Bong Joon-Ho in the comments. Hope you enjoy the video!

[aa_gg]

I noticed that - A visual vertical line is always present in the frame throughout the movie, this line separates the rich and the poor family .... This line may be a wall, glass or simply door of refrigerator...
*When you look for the line it become more visible and the separation between two families hits hard*

[CajaEBelmont]

Parasite is such an excellent film! I agree is a contemporary classic; all korean films i've seen are excellent. The cinematography in this one i so minimalist and effective in getting in you into the history by recreating this natural environments, i didn't pay attention on how they were creating the depth with the color temperature. The work of Park Chan-wook with Chung Chung-hoon is worthy of study.

[peterparker-gxnf]

Brilliant and inspirational analysis as always. I would be so thrilled to see the breakdown of 1917, La La Land and Inception! Thank you~

[gusorozco]

This is one of the best channels on YouTube talking about cinematography. The hard work and research is insane!! Much appreciated

[Artfulscience]

I feel this is a very eastern way of story telling—it reminds me a lot of Ghibli. There is more of an indifference, a pleasant inconclusiveness, not telling you what to think. Like in Spirited Away, there was so much left unresolved, but that’s life. It’s a very naturalistic way. Western cinema is great but it’s much more...explicit so to speak. Eastern feels more implicit

[TChristopher]

I love these breakdowns! The naturalism of this film is a great contrast to what seems like a fable-like story, especially looking at the cinematography of it. Thank you for breaking it down!

[Michael-cvwk]

I'd love to see you talk about a Michael Haneke film! I think his most masterful works when it comes to cinematography, blocking, movement, etc. are The White Ribbon and Happy End. He's fantastic at using movement to create a very subtle "dollhouse" effect.

[imdrum]

What I love most about this film is how most closeups are shooted from a straight-on, eye level perspective, as you mentioned as well. We don't get to see any characters from a steeple angle, nor do they seem intimidating on screen due solely to the camera. Although of course frame scenes such as the flood in the Kim's house are shooted from a slightly upper perspective, ut almost seems like it's shooting from where they need to be to stay "safe". I have not seen any condescending shots in this film, and that's something very strange, yet reassuring, in a film in a context of heavy inequality.

[kojichua]

I could never put a finger on the cinematrography style until you you mentioned "theatricality" and "being on a stage". Made so much sense ... Thanks for creating these videos!

[FilmGeeker]

I just love how Bong Joon Ho doesn’t shoot coverage and yet it’s still a masterpiece. As a filmmaker I hate coverages

[orpheus]

I m surprised that it's available for free you going to help a lot of budding cinematographers man, subbed❤️

[andream]

The diffrent layers made of different lighting warmth reminded me of Eyes Wide Shut cinematography, where there are many scenes with the same alternance cool/warm light within the same shot. Also the symmetry and the proscenium effect of sone shots looks similar.

[MidNight]

I love that I keep discovering even more details and layers to this film, amazing!
I just discovered your channel and just binged most of your videos (and counting), keep them going!! You're doing a brilliant job

[princessthyemis]

This is SO well researched! Wow your effort and the filmmakers blows my mind! Now I REALLY want to watch this film again. It's brilliant!!!

[iamnoimpact]

I never thought about it being presented like an analog theater before. But certainly, so many shots are making you overtly aware that you are WATCHING something, whereas other films try to take the "bring you along" approach. Many scenes here are almost telling you: "Watch this" as opposed to immersing you into the action of it. -- I also like what you said about BJH 'starting a conversation' instead of 'making a statement'.

[LEAJ]

One of the best shot films I’ve seen in a while. Glad I got to see it during the initial limited-screening before it went wide and the trend watchers showed up.

[grindiogourmet]

This channel is unforgivably under watched, wow man just discovered you so happy I did. These videos are phenomenal. Thank you so much.

[talhamajeed]

thankyou buddy, helped me with my film and tv final.

[padgie]

This is really well made and thought of, deserves way more views!