[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] “I still want to make films like bottled water. I am contemplating how to preserve the essence like bottled water while sharing it with contemporary audiences.”
Director Bae Chang-ho, celebrating his 40th anniversary since debut this year, revealed this at a book launch event held on the 10th at the Press Center in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. The book is titled The Path of Bae Chang-ho’s Films (Writer). It conveys “untold stories and facts that have been inaccurately conveyed” about the eighteen films he has presented so far.
Debuting with Kkobang-dong Neighborhood People (1982), Bae has introduced films such as Flower of the Equator (1983), Whale Hunting (1984), Hwang Jin-yi (1986), and Travel (2010). He is a living witness of the Korean film industry. He also introduced the recently highly acclaimed actor-director Lee Jung-jin to the film industry through the movie Young Man (1994).
How does he look back on his 40 years in film? Director Bae said, “If I could go back, there are things I would like to fix and direct again. But every time I made a film, I did my best according to my level and ability. In that sense, I have no regrets.”
Bae is regarded as a director with outstanding artistic merit. Such expressions are often interpreted as neglecting popularity, but he does not reject “box office success.” He says, “I don’t make films for myself. Films belong to the audience.”
In fact, for him, the distinction between commercial and art films is meaningless. “Film itself is an artistic expression that exists for the public.” “There is only a distinction between films that stimulate the audience’s peripheral nerves and films that make you feel life.” Most of his films belonged to the former.
His strength is “listening.” “I don’t have a lot of sesame (talent), but if someone brings it, I have the framework to extract oil well from that sesame.” In this way, he interacted with many seniors and juniors and grew by receiving “coaching” from mentors. He especially said he received great teachings from Kim Seung-ok, who taught him screenwriting for Mujin Gihaeng.
Having witnessed over 40 years of Korean film history, how does he view the current Korean film industry? Regarding the recent attention at the Cannes Film Festival and others, he said, “Compared to Japanese films that entered Cannes as early as the 1950s, it feels late. I don’t know if we (Korean films) have met international standards or if Europe has broadly recognized Eastern sensibilities, but in any case, it is welcome.”
He also praised the skills of young directors. He said, “The drive, imagination, visualization ability, and on-site command of young writers are amazing,” adding, “It really makes me admire them.” However, he expressed regret that “such talented young directors seem to be bound by capital and pressured excessively by box office success,” and added, “It seems like an era lacking universal artistic value. Diversity appears to be missing.”
He emphasized, “It is possible to produce one outstanding work, but it is difficult to produce multiple works. I hope conditions will be created for directors to produce good works over a long period.”
A devout Christian, his wish is to make a film illuminating the life of Jesus Christ. While filming Hwang Jin-yi (1986), he realized that the root of his creativity comes from religion. He said, “I finished the first draft seven years ago, but at that time I went through tremendous trials. I was gripped by fear, wondering if I could dare handle this story.” He explained, “Now I have overcome it with faith, but I think it is not a film that can be made by one’s own strength, so I am waiting for the right time.”
Along with the book release, he will actively engage with audiences. From the 15th of next month, a 40th anniversary retrospective will be held for two weeks at seven locations including CGV Art House Myeongdong and Seomyeon branches. Seven of Director Bae’s films will be screened, and during the screening of Young Man, Lee Jung-jae’s debut work, an event with Lee Jung-jae will also be arranged.
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