Kim Jiwon and Bong Joon-ho directors recommended the book 'There's Always Seunghoon in the Theater'... A record of someone who chose cinema to endure life.
'A Man Who Was Swallowed by Life: The Story of Kang-Hoon Always in the Theater' ('The Theater is Always Kang-Hoon', written by Han Sang-Hoon, published by Bulansujeonbang) is a confession of a man who was madly in love with cinema.
The author didn't know how to love movies, suffered from a fever, was disheartened by unresponsive signals, couldn't distinguish between movies and reality, and due to conflicts with those around him, he found himself at a loss, standing still alone. But each time, he repaid the wounds received from movies with love. His story, clinging to and enduring movies, is imbued with a desperate love that sought to be saved from movies in every sentence.
Would you believe it if you learned that the life of someone who did not make film their profession was composed of films? This book is literally the record and diary of a person who has lived alongside cinema.
For over 30 years, going to the theater and watching movies was his only occupation and life. This book is an account of the author, who fell into cinema by chance, wandering between life and film, writing down his lifelong journey, and also candidly revealing the price paid in life as a poignant regret.
It is rare to find a book where cinema and an individual's existence meet in such a way. The author's words, having lived as one body with cinema, lead us to ponder what cinema means in our lives, why we are captivated by it, and the power of images without the need for additional theoretical aids, guiding us through deep reflection via one person's life. This book, at a time when cinema is said to be in crisis, purely conveys the essential experience of watching a film and evokes empathy, urgently demonstrating that such experiences and awareness are the very reason for cinema's existence. Although the author has gone through various despair and sorrow in life through cinema, remarkably, they have also been saved through cinema. Therefore, this author's journey itself will provide an answer to what cinema means to us now.
The structure of this book is roughly akin to the author's life journey. It begins with the moment they fell passionately in love with cinema, and then moves on to recount their most intense movie experiences and unforgettable films. It also delves into poignant stories that unfolded in the triangular relationship between the author, cinema, and family, all told with genuine emotion. The book concludes with a desperate effort to redeem their own life through a single film.
The reader can interestingly observe how one has developed a relationship with cinema and where they are heading in their future. Just as the author's sincere emotions, which they have pondered over regarding the relationship between cinema and life, are well reflected in the previous work, this authenticity can be considered the greatest strength of this book.
Part 1, 'The Theater Edition,' captures the author's experiences with emotions, relationships, and events centered around the theater—a space that contrasts with their everyday life. The author shares anecdotes of naturally meeting renowned filmmakers from around the world, including famous directors like Hong Sang-soo and Park Chan-wook, openly confessing to their deep admiration and affection for cinema and filmmakers.
The second part, 'Mad Love,' includes reviews and thoughts on films that the author has a particular attachment to, which they have previously contributed to the media. In particular, Hitchcock's 'Vertigo' and 'Scotty,' with whom the author identifies closely, as well as Tarkovsky's 'Nostalghia,' which is one of the author's life-defining films, are analyzed in relation to the author's life.
Part 3 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' was filled with tributes to actors and directors who have passed away in recent years. It contained respect and gratitude for renowned actors such as Alain Delon and Gina Lollobrigida, as well as unique directors like Nagisa Oshima and David Lynch.
Part 4, 'A Family,' compiles writings that are unparalleled among those themed around films, capable of deeply touching the reader's heart. It explores how movies and the author's life have been intertwined within the family narrative, the first reconciliation with a lifelong-desired father, and the astonishing scene of bidding farewell to both mother and father, even documenting these moments in film. The book also unfolds the poignant story of the author's beloved mother alongside films. Finally, through a single film, 'Bulsae,' which the author says saved them, they reflect on their youth in a suffocating manner.
Not only does it evoke special empathy and nostalgia in film enthusiasts referred to as cinephiles, but also in generations that have been passionate about movies, evoking a gentle reminiscence. From the perspective of being a story that closely intertwines film and life naturally, it provides an intriguing case for researchers and majors in film studies, critics, and film journalists, allowing them to explore the interrelationship between film and audience.
This book is not an analysis of the film, but rather a heartfelt record of a person who chose the curtain to endure life. This poignant confession is an honest diary dedicated to films that were sometimes more truthful than life itself, and it is also a love letter sent to all those who still want to be comforted by cinema.
The list of individuals who have recommended this book, including Kim Jee-woon (director), Bong Joon-ho (director), Park Jung-beom (director), Kim Yong-man (Kims Video), and Kim Sihyeon (film YouTuber), serves as a guarantee of the book's significance and value.
Shin Bong Suk reporter paulsohn@kyunghyang.comⓒSports Kyunghyang ( https://sports.khan.co.kr ) Prohibition of unauthorized reproduction and redistribution
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