Lee Chang Dong's New Film Explores the Ethics of Filmmaking
Director Lee Chang Dong discusses his film Possible Love, a poignant narrative about life after labor struggles and the ethics of storytelling.
Lee Chang Dong’s latest film, Possible Love, marks his seventh feature and dives deep into the aftermath of a tragic event in South Korea. Inspired by real-life events from 2009 where a leading Korean conglomerate laid off 2,600 employees, the film explores the heavy repercussions of unemployment, including several suicides.
A Post-Labor Landscape
Unlike other films that reflect the intensity of labor struggles, Possible Love chooses to set its narrative in the murky waters that follow such upheaval. It opens with an epigraph: “Thou shall not covet,” setting the tone for a story steeped in desire—characters yearn for each other's jobs, possessions, and relationships.
Central to the film are Mi-ok (played by Jeon Do-Yeon), the supportive wife of recently laid-off Ho-seok (Sul Kyung-gu), and their encounter with Ye-ji (Cho Yeo-jeong), a documentary filmmaker accompanied by her affluent husband, Sang-woo (Zo In-sung). Their interactions unfold against the backdrop of loss and longing.
Ethics Behind the Lens
In a recent conversation during his visit to New York, Lee Chang Dong discussed the moral imperatives that filmmakers face when portraying others' stories. Addressing the power dynamics inherent in filmmaking, he remarked, "Once you hold a camera, you have power; that changes everything."
He compared his work to that of fellow directors like Bong Joon Ho and Park Chan Wook, noting the shared history that binds them. He remembers a conversation with Bong Joon Ho about the challenges of depicting emotional truths in film, emphasizing a universality in capturing another's pain. “It raises questions about how to honor that experience ethically,” Lee explained.
Capturing Versus Creating Realities
Lee highlighted the distinctions between documentary makers and narrative storytellers. He pointed out that filmmakers, including Ye-ji, often occupy a complex space: they are not part of their subjects’ world, yet their storytelling shapes public perceptions. The innate responsibility of filmmakers to protect the dignity of their subjects becomes paramount.
Ye-ji's pursuit of stories reflects her background, yet she grapples with the desire to use those experiences as material for her own narrative. "It’s a delicate balance; we must ask ourselves what our intentions are when capturing someone else’s pain," Lee stated.
Collaboration and Creative Process
Lee’s partnership with screenwriter Oh Jung-mi has been integral to his films, including Possible Love. He met her at the Korea National University of Arts, where her exceptional talent stood out even among a pool of gifted students. He described her as a source of inspiration, bringing fresh perspectives that challenge his own ideas.
“I often scrap projects while working together, but she remains patient and committed, which is invaluable,” he shared. Their relationship allows for an organic exploration of themes within the film.
The Role of Cinema in Social Change
As the film nears its release, which includes a global debut on Netflix, Lee emphasized his intent to communicate the significance of labor struggles through the character dynamics and the narrative structure. He aims to portray the collective trauma of workers vividly, intertwining documentary-style elements with fictional storytelling.
Despite the complicated nature of capturing reality on film, Lee believes that cinema should provoke conversation and reflection. “Through our works, we have the ability to enact small changes in society; it's a responsibility we carry as storytellers,” he shared.
Possible Love had its theatrical release in select U.S. theaters on October 23rd, and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting November 6th. As audiences around the world tune in, the film is positioned to spark discussions around its poignant themes and ethical inquiries.
