Director Kim Ji-woon's fifth film, "Cobweb," starring Song Kang-ho, is creating quite a buzz as it aims to be a remarkable addition to the world of cinema. Known for his unique storytelling and exceptional visual style, Kim has taken a captivating twist in this latest project by delving into the chaos that unfolds on a film set.
Set in the 1970s, "Cobweb" revolves around the obsessive pursuits of a film director aiming to create a masterpiece amidst the challenges of an era marked by intense censorship. The film captures the tumultuous process of reshooting a movie while overcoming numerous obstacles, a period where both the script and the final product had to endure "double censorship." With its premiere slated for next month, "Cobweb" has already garnered international acclaim by being invited to the Cannes International Film Festival. The anticipation is building for this film to be a captivating masterpiece.
◇ "The Most Important Mission: Casting"
In this film, director Kim Ji-woon reunites with Song Kang-ho for the fifth time—sixth if we count Kim's early short films. Their collaboration dates back 25 years, spanning from "The Quiet Family" (1998) to "Secret Reunion" (2010). Their history is marked by movies that have stirred conversations and achieved commercial success, solidifying them as a director-actor duo that audiences trust.
The mutual trust between them is undeniable. According to Kim, Song Kang-ho is an "irreplaceable actor," while for Song, Kim is a director who quenches his thirst for innovative filmmaking. Speaking about Song Kang-ho, Kim emphasized, "Mr. Song Kang-ho possesses the power to complete the deity of the film; he is the unique savior of my film." Song Kang-ho likened Kim to the "Cobweb" itself, something one can't easily escape from, thanks to his ability to satiate the thirst for novelty through genre variations.
Kim Ji-woon's directorial approach in "Cobweb" showcases his affinity for casting, bringing together an ensemble of actors with diverse talents. Kim highlighted the strength of this ensemble by saying, "What was most important to me was the ensemble. I cast actors who excel in delivering lines and having fun with them." He meticulously selected actors with precise pronunciation and eloquence to create a unique Korean-style ensemble comedy, tapping into fresh sources of amusement.
◇Capturing the Essence of an Era
Given the film's exploration of human desires, the casting of actors who could best portray the story was paramount. Kim showed affection for actors like Oh Jung-se, Lim Soo-jung, and Jeon Yeo-been. He described Oh Jung-se as an actor who can control the tension of the dialogue, while Jeon Yeo-been was praised as an actress who doesn't adhere to conventions. Lim Soo-jung, a veteran in the film, was cast for the role of a staff member, marking a reunion 20 years after "A Tale of Two Sisters" (2003).
Song Kang-ho shared his experience of working with this ensemble, stating, "While shooting this film, I recalled ensemble acting in previous works like 'Joint Security Area' (2000) and 'Memories of Murder' (2003). Meeting actors I had dreamed of working with and shooting together invoked a similar thrill from the past."
◇An Innovative Film with a Unique Twist
The film's emphasis on being audacious and offering a fresh sense of amusement is particularly noteworthy. When the Korean film industry faced challenges after the pandemic, Kim Ji-woon contemplated the core question of filmmaking. His conclusion was to provide audiences weary of formulaic films with a unique and refreshing experience. Just as many films during the heyday of cinema lured audiences with diverse approaches, "Cobweb" aims to evoke a rekindled fascination with the concept of "film."
The film-within-a-film concept evolves through various genres like period melodrama, thriller, disaster, and horror as the story progresses. The black-and-white poster of "Cobweb" conveys a horror film's ambiance while symbolically representing the classic image of films from the 1970s. Additionally, meticulously recreating the era's costumes and makeup rooms was crucial. By using period-appropriate attire and makeup techniques, the actors were transported back to the 1970s. "The 1970s were a time of glamor and romance. To accurately depict the people of that era, even the staff members' costumes were meticulously crafted, resulting in over 100 outfits," explained Costume Director Choi Ui-young.
The film's soundtrack is adorned with hits from the 1970s that Kim Ji-woon personally enjoys. Songs that left an imprint on that era, such as Kim Chu-ja's "Leaves Falling" and Love and Peace's "I Was Lazy for a While," are featured in the film. The film's OST perfectly captures the era's lively atmosphere. Kim also hinted at the inclusion of classical French masterpieces in unexpected places, adding a unique layer of sophistication to the film's overall charm.