No matter if you’re one of the best directors of all time, such as Martin Scorsese, or a South Korean filmmaker who just won the Palme d’Or, you’re gonna get questions about directing superhero films. And for the latter man, Bong Joon-ho, who is about to release “Parasite,” the reason you say no to superhero films isn’t because of story or concept. It’s something much more practical.
Speaking to APNews, Bong was asked about the idea of directing big-budget films, including superhero movies. And while there are many out there that would cringe at the idea of an acclaimed filmmaker such as him lowering himself to direct a Marvel film, it appears that Bong’s reason for saying no is probably something you never even considered.
“Especially after ‘The Host,’ with my previous agency, there were many proposals about directing films of that kind, even superhero films,” the filmmaker said. “Don’t get me wrong. There are many great superhero films. I have respect for them. But I guess it’s a personal paranoia. Superheros always wear a clingy spandex. I can’t stand to be in skin-tight clothes. Watching them is even suffocating to me, so I don’t think I can direct one.”
So, there you have it. The reason we’ll likely never see a Bong Joon-ho film about superheroes is the costume. That being said, I’d be totally down to watch a two-hour film that serves as a deconstruction of the superhero genre through the idea that the suit is too clingy. There’s bound to be some good psychological drama to be mined from that, right?
Either way, superheroes or no superheroes, we’re just excited that Bong is making films. And if you are a fan of films, you should go out of your way to check out “Parasite” when it begins it’s theatrical run this week.