theguardian.com
Park Chan-wook's Decision to Leave: A Dark Comedy on Redundancy and Masculinity
Korean director Park Chan-wook's new film, Decision to Leave, based on Donald E Westlake's novel, explores a man's descent into murder after losing his job, weaving together family dysfunction, masculinity, and societal critique.
- What is the central conflict driving the plot of Decision to Leave?
- The film centers on You Man-su, who, after being laid off from his paper factory job, plots a series of murders to create job openings in the industry as he desperately tries to reclaim his masculinity and provide for his family.
- How does the film connect the protagonist's actions to broader societal issues?
- Man-su's actions are presented against the backdrop of economic insecurity and the erosion of traditional masculinity. His "no other choice" mirrors the American bosses' justification for redundancies, highlighting systemic pressures and the individual's desperate response.
- What are the potential interpretations of the film's ending and its use of surreal and dreamlike sequences?
- The film's surreal elements, including a dream sequence in a greenhouse and concluding shots of hi-tech paper production and environmental destruction, suggest a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of technology, economic systems, and the diminishing importance of human agency.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review focuses on the film's narrative structure and themes, highlighting the unexpected shifts in tone and genre. While praising the film's momentum and unique storytelling, the review doesn't explicitly favor one interpretation over another, presenting the film's complexities and ambiguities. The headline (if any) would influence framing; however, this is absent from the provided text.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and analytical, avoiding loaded terms or subjective judgments. Words like "effortlessly fluent," "steely confidence," and "inspired cunning" could be considered slightly positive, but they describe observable aspects of the film rather than imposing a value judgment.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses primarily on the plot and cinematic aspects, omitting potential political or social commentary that might be present in the film. While acknowledging the film's themes of family dysfunction and the state of the nation, it doesn't delve deeply into these aspects, which could be a limitation due to the review's length or scope.
Sustainable Development Goals
The film directly addresses job losses, economic hardship, and the struggle for decent work, highlighting the impact of redundancies on individuals and families. The protagonist's actions, while extreme, stem from desperation caused by unemployment and the inability to find alternative employment. The film also touches upon the broader societal issue of economic insecurity and the pressure on individuals to maintain their livelihoods.