Director Park Chan-wook Finds Humor and Irony in Dark Places because There is 'No Other Choice'

Park Chan-wook, renowned for films like Oldboy, Thirst, and The Handmaiden, has yet to receive an Oscar nomination for his distinctive blend of drama, humor, and crimebut his latest black comedy may change that. The film explores unemployment and the extreme lengths a man will go to secure a job, with Korean star Lee Byung-hun (Squid Game) portraying a paper industry executive whose life unravels after being laid off. This marks Parks second Oscar-selected film from South Korea, following 2022s Decision to Leave.

The movie maintains Parks signature style: a mix of satirical humor, intricate visual motifs, and layered imagery. Even the title, No Other Choice, carries a subtle irony. The director explained that the film is based on Donald Westlakes novel The Ax, where the ax is slang for being fired. Since this meaning doesnt translate into Korean and could be misinterpreted as a literal weapon, Park opted for a new title.

Park shared that he was drawn to the story because the protagonist is an ordinary, kind man, unskilled in murder. I saw opportunities for humor in his awkward attempts at killing, he said. He also appreciated the paradox of the protagonists family: his actions intended to protect them ultimately lead to their destruction. Park recognized that themes of employment struggles and societal pressures would resonate globally, noting that audiences at festivals responded strongly even to a brief summary of the story.

Reflective imagery is another hallmark of Parks work. He explained, Ive always been fascinated by reflections in mirrors or water. They make films more engaging and reveal the complexity of people and the world. One striking moment in the film shows photos of murder victims on an iPad, then the protagonists face reflected on the black screen, symbolically connecting him to their fate.

Park also discussed a humorous home-invasion scene, where a loud rendition of Red Dragonfly prevents characters from hearing each other. The song, by Korean music legend Cho Yong-pil, was chosen for both its absurdity and its nostalgic significance. The combination of song and scene creates enjoyment in unexpected ways, Park said.

Reuniting with Lee Byung-hun for the first time since Joint Security Area (2000) brought a relaxed energy to the set. Earlier in our careers, we were desperate for the film to succeed, Park reflected. Now, were more open and can joke freely on set. Although social time in Korea is limited, the cast maintains a lively group chat to share photos and jokes.

Park emphasized the importance of audience reactions: Hearing the audience laugh is more joyful to me than anything elseeven more than Mozart. His latest work demonstrates his continued mastery of balancing dark subject matter with humor, irony, and visually compelling storytelling.

Author: Chloe Ramirez