Film Opening Research #2 - Parasite

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After the Train to Busan, the second movie opening I would like to analyze would be Parasite (2019). The description for the movie is left purposely ambiguous, only stating that the symbiotic relationship between the Park family and Kim Clan is soon to be threatened because of greed and class discrimination. Although there are only two main titles shown in the opening sequence, there are many different sub-titles in the two and a half minutes it's shown. This includes the main production company, the title of the movie, and each of the major actors, directors, and individual producers. There are many things which are emphasized in this scene, but is shown more than the Kim family's living conditions. Whether it be their clothes, individual actions, or even the house itself, showing their poverty is clearly the director's top priority. We are shown the main protagonists, as they go to eat dinner in their underground home, covered with bugs. It's clear here that the family is well below the poverty line, we are shown many symbolic features of their home. It's a representation of many different themes, such as the battle between light and dark, good and evil and most importantly, the rich vs the poor. Inside these images, there are many conflicting connotations. Although this family lives in such impoverished conditions, they are still that - a family. Even in the worst situation, they are living together. No matter how many times they get rejected from job interviews, they still have hope. 

The genre of this movie could be best categorized into Thriller. The main characters are shown with limited amounts of makeup and dull colors. This is done to show their destitution and how the Kim family starts at the bottom. There are low levels of lighting present to create shadows, building tension from the very beginning. This is important because as the movie progresses, their appearances improve and the colors begin to be more vibrant, however, this eerie feeling never leaves. One of the reasons this film did so well was because of its Juvenalian satire. There was a dark message that was only revealed through an ugly truth. After watching the movie, the audience was filled with shock at what they watched and left a lot to be thought about. Another strategy employed was keeping the audience on their feet the entire time, as frequently done in thriller films.