Cobweb, the director Kim Ki-yeol, played by Song Kang-ho, is just two days away from completing reshoots for the ending of his latest film. He’s determined to transform it from a perceived trashy potboiler into what he boldly declares as a “masterpiece.”
거미줄(송강호 역) 감독 김기열이 최근 영화의 결말 재촬영을 이틀 앞두고 있다. 그는 이 작품을 쓰레기로 인식되는 냄비 보일러에서 대담하게 “걸작“이라고 선언하는 작품으로 변화시키기로 결심했습니다.
그러나 김지운 감독은 <거미줄>을 통해 오랜만에 가장 느슨하고 급하게 조립한 영화를 선보이며 다른 길을 걷는다. 현재 상태와 걸작 상태 사이의 격차는 단지 이틀 간의 재촬영으로 메울 수 있는 것보다 더 넓어 보입니다. 영화 속의 영화를 특징으로 하는 이 영화는 생생하고 엉뚱하지만 모든 면에서 위대함에는 미치지 못하는 방식으로 영화감독의 시련을 탐구합니다.
However, director Kim Jee-woon takes a different path with “Cobweb,” presenting his loosest and most hastily assembled film in a while. The gap between its current state and masterpiece status seems wider than a mere two-day reshoot could ever bridge. The film, featuring a film within a film, explores the trials of a filmmaker in a manner that’s vividly garish and goofy but falls short of greatness on all counts.
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The main character, Ki-yeol, dreams of achieving greatness, portrayed with charm by Song Kang-ho. The movie opens with a triple fake-out, starting with a black-and-white psych-thriller scene that turns out to be a film set, which is then revealed to be a dream. Ki-yeol, living in the early 1970s, is a genre director seeking approval for his latest film from the censors. In his pill-induced dreams, he envisions a rewrite that could bring him the acclaim he craves.
To realize his vision, Ki-yeol faces the challenge of convincing the tough studio boss, President Baek, played by Jang Young-Nam, and bringing back his entire cast, including his favourite leading lady, Min-ja, philandering leading man Ho-se, secretly pregnant ingenue Yu-rim, and pragmatic older veteran Madam Oh.
An unexpected ally, Mido, President Baek’s niece, played by Jeon Yeo-been, becomes a fervent believer in Ki-yeol’s new vision, willing to go to great lengths to ensure the film’s production. Simultaneously, tension rises on set as the censor’s office attempts to shut down production, and conflicts emerge, such as pregnant Yu-rim’s refusal to overexert herself.
The film shuttles between soap operatic on-set events and the black-and-white fictional world, incorporating flashbacks, dream sequences, and fire effects. While the cinematography might not be DP Kim Ji-yong’s most distinguished work, the film maintains an antic energy.
Navigating the farcical genre is challenging and “Cobweb” receives mixed critiques. The performances oscillate between shrill and zany, and the aesthetics are mostly forgettable. The film lacks the precision seen in the director’s previous works, such as the elegant period spy caper “The Age of Shadows.”
Despite its efforts to embrace a more relaxed and unserious tone, “Cobweb” falls short, especially for a director known for delivering gonzo, freewheeling fun in the past, such as in “The Good, the Bad and the Weird.”
In summary, “Cobweb” fails to live up to expectations, and its shortcomings become apparent in its lack of meticulous construction. By the time the film reaches its numerous endings, leaving us questioning which one to accept, it’s clear that “Cobweb” has lost its momentum.
What is the Cobweb Cannes guaranteed review?
Kim Jee-woon’s latest Cannes entry is a charming tribute to the world of filmmakers and filmmaking. In “Cobweb,” Jee-woon takes a satirical approach to explore the egos and insecurities of those both in front of and behind the camera.
The film-within-a-film structure isn’t ground-breaking, but the South Korean director infuses the narrative with infectious enthusiasm, creating a whimsical portrayal of the filmmaking process.
The story revolves around Director Kim, portrayed by the charismatic Song Kang-ho, who is determined to revive his career. Despite the audience’s awareness of the unlikely success of his latest project, it’s entertaining to watch him pursue his artistic vision.
This marks Kim’s third film at Cannes, where it holds a spot in the out-of-competition lineup. Filled with laughter and featuring familiar faces from Kim’s previous works, including Lim Soo-Jung and Jeon Yeo-been, “Cobweb” is set to enchant cinephiles, particularly those who appreciate comedies poking fun at the quirks of creatively flawed individuals.
Set in the early 1970s, the film follows Director Kim’s efforts to reshoot the ending of his latest production, “Cobweb,” convinced it will transform the film into a masterpiece. The narrative cleverly navigates the challenges of censorship and behind-the-scenes drama, offering a humorous take on the South Korean cinema of that era.
Kim pays homage to a time when directors had to navigate strict censorship rules while expressing their creative aspirations. “Cobweb” radiates sympathy for artists whose ambitions surpass their abilities, making the comedy touching in its portrayal of Director Kim’s unwavering faith in his new ending.
The film-within-the-film remains intentionally mysterious, adding to the fun as audiences try to decipher its melodramatic and histrionic elements.
The cinematography, with Director Kim’s film in noir-ish black and white and the 1970s real world in nostalgically faded colours, enhances the film’s nostalgic feel. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong, from nit-picking censors to unexpected challenges like Yu-rim’s secret pregnancy.
Fortunately, Director Kim finds support in Mido, played by Jeon Yeo-been, a capable right-hand woman who shares his belief in the transformative power of a new ending.
While the film treads familiar comedic ground, its over two-hour runtime, especially the extended epilogue, may feel excessive. Despite this, Jee-woon’s identification with the protagonist shines through, granting Director Kim a happy ending that underscores the notion that even creatively stagnant individuals can stumble upon a brilliant idea.
Song Kang-ho portrays Director Kim as both foolish and committed, emphasizing the film’s sincere belief that taking risks in the name of art is a worthwhile endeavour. Amid the zany gags and artistic meltdowns, “Cobweb” ultimately carries a heartfelt and genuine message.
Where can I watch Cobweb Korean?
Cobweb can be streamed using an HBO Max or Hulu subscription. All three films can be rented on YouTube, Apple TV+, or Google Play Movies & TV.
Cast & Crew
Director
| Person | Role |
|---|---|
| Kim Jee Woon | Director |
Screenwriter
| Person | Role |
|---|---|
| Shin Yeon Shick | Screenwriter |
Main Role
| Actor/Actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Song Kang Ho | Director Kim |
| Im Soo Jung | Lee Min Ja |
| Oh Jung Se | Kang Ho Se |
| Jeon Yeo Been | Shin Mi Do |
| Krystal Jung | Han Yu Rim |
Support Role
| Actor/Actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Park Jung Soo | Madam Oh |
| Jang Young Nam | President Baek |
| Kim Min Jae | Manager Kim |
| Kim Dong Young | Assistant Director |
| Jung In Ki | Hunter |
| Jang Gwang | Director Choi |
| Jang Nam Yul | Park Joo Sa |
Guest Role
| Actor/Actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Jung Woo Sung | Director Shin |
| Han Seo Ui | Gong Jin Ja |
Cinematographer
| Person | Role |
|---|---|
| Kim Ji Yong | Cinematographer |
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