Join me in dissecting the extraordinary cinematography of “Parasite.” We’ll unearth the secrets behind its compelling composition, vibrant color schemes, and evocative lighting. This film offers a wealth of insights for photographers to learn from.
Keep in mind that the movie tells a story of greed and class differences, portrayed through the contrasting lives of the wealthy Park family and the struggling Kim family. As we analyze these scenes, this central theme will illuminate the rationale behind each artistic decision in composition, color, and lighting.
If you prefer video format, be sure to watch the video version of this analysis covering all the scenes:
Parasite Scene Analysis
1. Introduction at the Park Residence
Scene Context:
The focus here is on Ki-woo observing from outside as the housekeeper Moon-gwang wakes the Park family matriarch to meet him.
Scene Composition:
The scene’s composition utilizes layering and framing techniques. It is structured with a foreground, middle ground, and background. Ki-woo occupies the foreground, Moon-gwang and the Park wife are in the middle ground, while lush greenery forms the background. This layering creates a sense of detachment, positioning us as viewers outside the affluent world, both physically behind a glass wall and metaphorically.
The scene also employs effective framing. Ki-woo and Moon-gwang are together in one frame, divided by a line on the glass wall, while the Park wife is in a separate frame.
For those familiar with the film, this arrangement symbolizes the socio-economic divide between Ki-woo and Moon-gwang, and the Park wife.
Color Palette:
An analogous color scheme is used here, predominantly featuring greens and yellows. These vibrant and rich colors symbolize the enticing and luxurious lifestyle that remains elusive to Ki-woo.
Lighting Details:
Natural, soft light characterizes the scene’s lighting, contributing to the tranquil and picturesque atmosphere of the Park residence. The contrast between the bright outdoors and the dimmer interior where Ki-woo stands further highlights the disparity between the two worlds of the characters.
2. Sister Involvement
Scene Overview:
In this pivotal scene, we observe Ki-woo’s sister preparing to interact with Mr. and Mrs. Park, set within the Park family’s home.
Scene Composition:
Echoing the structure of the earlier scene, this one also employs a combination of layering and framing. The composition includes a foreground featuring a plant, a middle ground with Ki-woo’s sister, and a background occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Park. This layered approach visually represents the disconnect and separation among the characters.
Color Scheme:
The scene utilizes an analogous color palette, comprising greens, yellows, and oranges. These colors blend to create a soft, warm glow, enhancing the scene’s homely yet affluent setting.
Lighting Dynamics:
Interior lighting is strategically used to focus on the main areas of action. Firstly, light streams down the stairwell, illuminating the character on the left. Secondly, the dinner table is well-lit, drawing attention to Mr. and Mrs. Park. This lighting technique, along with the contrast between well-lit and darker regions, reinforces the notion of Ki-woo’s sister as an outsider looking into a world she is not a part of.
3. Escape in the Rain
Scene Context:
This scene captures the Kim family hastily departing the Park residence during a nocturnal rainstorm, after a close call of nearly being discovered.
Composition Elements:
The scene is segmented into three frames, each employing leading lines to depict the Kims’ metaphorical descent down the socio-economic ladder as they return to their own home.
The first frame employs an S-curve to convey movement.
The second frame uses a diagonal line to illustrate their downward trajectory.
The third frame again utilizes diagonal lines to accentuate the descent.
Color Scheme:
The scene predominantly features an analogous color palette. The initial frames primarily use a cold mix of blues and greens, symbolizing the stark contrast in their circumstances. In the final frame, as they approach their home, red is introduced. This stark red hue signifies danger and the “hellish” reality they face, with their home flooded and the unresolved issues at the Park house.
Lighting Design:
Dark lighting dominates these frames, accentuating the grim reality of the Kim family’s situation. This dim lighting serves to highlight the stark contrast between their current predicament and their earlier experiences at the Park house.
In conclusion, as photographers, we can learn a lot from analyzing scenes from movies like “Parasite.”
If you want to see all the scenes, be sure to watch my video above!
