Park Chan-wook's 'Unavoidable', Reveals Fun TMI: From Title Secrets to Patriarchal Depictions
The critically acclaimed film 'Unavoidable' (CJ ENM), directed by Park Chan-wook, has released its first set of "Too Much Information" (TMI) details, offering deeper insights into its compelling narrative and characters.
The first TMI delves into the film's title. Director Park explained that 'Unavoidable' (어쩔수가없다), written without spaces, captures the Korean colloquialism of expressing helplessness in a single breath. He also revealed that alternative titles considered were 'Mogaji' (meaning 'neck', referring to being fired) and 'Things to Do in Autumn', highlighting the thematic layers associated with the changing seasons and job insecurity.
Secondly, the TMI focuses on the house, a pivotal element for the protagonist 'Mansu' (played by Lee Byung-hun). This two-story house with a garden, hard-earned by the self-made 'Mansu', becomes a central motivation for his fight to protect his family and home after his unexpected layoff. The house's location in a neglected area, once a pig farm, adds to its isolation, yet 'Mansu's attachment stems from it being his childhood refuge and a space he personally renovated, intensifying his determination to keep it.
Thirdly, the film explores a new artistic direction for director Park Chan-wook. While his previous work 'Decision to Leave' was described as poetry, 'Unavoidable' is presented as prose, focusing on realistic narratives. Park contrasts the themes, stating 'Decision to Leave' explored femininity, whereas 'Unavoidable' delves into masculinity.
Finally, the TMI sheds light on the film's critique of patriarchy. 'Unavoidable' observes 'Mansu', a man clinging to traditional notions of masculinity and the role of a breadwinner, with a detached gaze rather than offering pity. Cinematographer Kim Woo-hyung mentioned that the filming style, which deliberately blurs whose perspective is being shown when focusing on 'Mansu' alone in his room, encourages viewers to maintain an objective distance, allowing for a more critical viewing of the narrative and the character's predicament.
These behind-the-scenes revelations are set to encourage multiple viewings as audiences delve deeper into the film's intricate layers.
Lee Byung-hun portrays 'Mansu', a man facing unemployment and the subsequent crisis. His performance is lauded for its nuanced depiction of a father struggling to uphold traditional patriarchal expectations in the face of adversity. The actor's extensive filmography showcases his ability to embody complex characters, and 'Unavoidable' is no exception, further cementing his status as a versatile performer.