Unveiling the Secrets Behind the Oscar-Winning Film Parasite

The critically acclaimed and internationally renowned film Parasite is not just a simple story and clever plot, but a masterclass in imagery techniques, featuring an impressive VFX arsenal.

Hidden Elements of the Park Family House

One of the most striking elements of Parasite is the Park family's home, which, at first glance, seems like a real home to the observer. However, a closer look reveals that this set is packed with covert imagery tricks.

Interestingly, the house itself, which plays a central role throughout the film, is not a real house. Director Bong Joon-ho used over 500 VFX shots to create the illusion. The production designer ingeniously created a single-story house, with the second story entirely blue-screened.

Even the garden surrounding the house is not entirely real. The story is further complicated by the fact that the interior and exterior of the house were filmed at different locations. To achieve the desired look, CGI was used to manipulate the slope of the road outside the family home. This was done to match Bong's vision, where the road had a specific slope.

Moreover, the driving scenes were also shot using a green screen, making it almost impossible to tell which parts of the film were real and which were enhanced through VFX. The conversations between Mr. Kim and the Park family members, all of whom were filmed in front of a green screen, add to the film's intricate visual storytelling.

The Enigmatic Wealth Rock

Another fascinating prop in the film, the Wealth Rock, embodies a deeper symbolic meaning. This floating rock, which appears during the flooding scenes, plays a crucial role in the film's plot. Interestingly, the rock is also fake.

When hit by the flood, the rock doesn't sink, defiantly staying afloat and symbolizing the unshakable nature of wealth. This is further emphasized in the film's dream sequence, where the rock sinks, suggesting that wealth may only exist in the dreams of the poor.

The director, Bong Joon-ho, employed physical lines to signify the social divide between the poor and the rich. Kim, the father, often stays just on the line or close to it, adhering to societal norms and constraints. Nathan Park's statement, suggesting that the wealthy may sometimes cross this line, adds a layer of complexity to their characters.

Conclusion

The film Parasite, with its impressive VFX, imaginative imagery techniques, and symbolic elements, is a true masterpiece of filmmaking. The director Bong Joon-ho's vision and creativity are evident in every scene, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the art of cinema.