Director Park Chan-wook, nominated for Best Non-English Language Film at the Golden Globes for 'Decision to Break Up'
Director Park Chan-wook said in a recent interview with Variety, an American entertainment media outlet, "Before making this movie, I thought that people would laugh at me if I told them I wanted to tell another love story. Because there was a lot of violence and sex in my previous movies. “It has been ignored as a love story,” he said. “When I reduced the violence and nudity in the film, people were finally able to see the romance in my film.”
Director Park also told a story about director Bong Joon-ho, who became a world-renowned master. He said of director Bong Joon-ho, "We used to share scripts quite often, but now it's become difficult because we're all so busy that we're often not in the same country." Director Park Chan-wook said, "I have never thought of my colleagues as rivals. Rather, I think of them as people who inspire me. I respect them a lot and think they have helped me." In particular, he said, “Since the movie ‘Parasite’ performed well overseas, it has helped many Korean films receive more attention.”
Director Park Chan-wook also mentioned 'Sympathy' starring Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr. He is currently filming 'The Sympathizer' in Los Angeles as an executive producer. "I directed all 6 episodes of 'Little Dreamer Gril', but this time I am directing only 3 out of 7 episodes," he said. "The Korean food in Los Angeles was a big help. “It’s okay,” he said with a laugh.
Regarding Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan Downey, Director Park continued, "Robert Downey Jr. is such an amazing actor and such an energetic person that it's a pleasure to be around him. It was great to be able to work with him," and "Also, Robert's wife Susan is a very nice person." “She is an intelligent woman and a smart producer. She was a great help to me.”
Meanwhile, director Park Chan-wook's 'Decision to Break Up' was nominated for Best Motion Picture, Non English Language at the 80th Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, USA on the 10th (local time).
Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr