This summer's must-see movie 'The omniscient reader's viewpoint' has released a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the collaboration process of trusted veteran production staff from Chungmuro.
'The omniscient reader's viewpoint' (director Kim Byung-woo, provided by Lotte Entertainment and Smilegate, distributed by Lotte Entertainment, produced by Realize Pictures Co., Ltd., co-produced by MYM Entertainment, Smilegate Realize, and The Present Company) is a fantasy action movie where the world within the long-running novel becomes reality on the day it concludes, and the only reader, 'Kim Dokja,' must survive in a perished world alongside the protagonist 'Yu Joong-hyuk' and his companions.
Director Kim Byung-woo and the veteran production team faced a challenge in creating a world and space not yet realized on screen, making every step of the film's production a challenge. Kim Byung-woo, who is skilled at generating 'immersive tension' in a limited space and time, noted, “Making the audience engrossed in the screen was my biggest concern.” He revealed his intention, stating, “I wanted to portray a world that balances both reality and fantasy without leaning too much toward one side.” In particular, he explained that regarding the subway set, which is a key background in the early part of the movie, “The notion of flipping the space aims to express the image of overturning the world.”
Jeong Seong-jin, the VFX director who has led significant projects representing the South Korean film industry, such as 'Along With the Gods,' 'Parasite,' and 'Emergency Declaration,' stated, “I worked hard to convey realism and plausibility so that the audience could understand the world itself.” He continued, “I have worked on countless projects over the past 30 years, but 'The omniscient reader's viewpoint' is a project where creature technology and resources have been boldly applied,” revealing his pride.
The cinematography was handled by director Jeon Hye-jin, known for showcasing a sensuous visual style in dramas and films such as 'Pachinko' and 'Smoking Tigers.' He stated, “Over 80% of the total shots are VFX shots, so significant time and effort were devoted to the storyboard and pre-visualization work during the pre-production phase.” He emphasized, “There are frequent shots of 'Kim Dokja's' inner monologues, where the camera is close enough to hear the actor's breathing, aiming to create a viewpoint as if secrets are only being disclosed to the audience.”
Art director Lee Mok-won, who has created overwhelming worlds in films such as 'Train to Busan' and 'Along With the Gods,' stated, “The realistic space needs to naturally transition into a fantasy space, so there must be context or logic.” He explained that while the subway set should feel realistic as it is a familiar space, it also needed to have different characteristics tailored to each scenario, and creating the damaged parts presented continuous challenges.
While every space was difficult, he noted that the belly of the dragon where 'Kim Dokja' faces the third scenario was the most challenging set. Even if VFX would finalize it later, the set needed to be made with materials that would give the feeling of the actor being inside the belly, and the conclusion was a VFX matte. He explained the production process, stating, “We built the frame with steel and finished it with balloons, which was the most difficult aspect.”
Stunt director Jeong Yun-hun revealed that designing actions suitable for each character's individuality and situation was the greatest challenge in this work. He explained, “‘Kim Dokja’ studies movements that are realistic yet challenging, rather than focusing on technique,” and shared his direction for 'Yu Joong-hyuk,' saying he aimed to design movements that are stylish, fitting for a strong character. He also noted, “Actor Lee Min-ho immersed himself in the character and offered many ideas,” adding to the passion the actors poured into the project.
Additionally, he mentioned that 'Yu Sang-a's' movements were inspired by string figures, and even though they might seem like simple and familiar hand movements, he deeply pondered how to differentiate them from other works, indicating a fierce contemplation and heartfelt passion poured into every tiny movement regarding the character. The approach for 'Lee Hyun-seong' was to focus on powerful action since he is a strong character, while 'Jeong Hee-won' aimed to find a rugged appearance that is both flashy yet understated, creating vibrant actions and fresh spectacles through their individual approaches to breaking away from the scenarios.
Capturing both fantasy and action, 'The omniscient reader's viewpoint,' the only fantasy action movie this summer that promises the best cinematic experience, will be available nationwide in theaters on July 23.
[Photo] Lotte Entertainment
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