Close Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • DiscussingFilm Team
  • Exclusives
    • News
    • Interviews
  • Film
  • TV
  • Lists & Editorials
  • DiscussingFilm Critic Awards
  • Events
    • Awards Shows
    • Film Festivals
    • Cons
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube TikTok
  • Film
  • TV
  • Exclusives
  • Comics
  • Film Festivals
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube TikTok
DiscussingFilm
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • DiscussingFilm Team
  • Exclusives
    • News
    • Interviews
  • Film
  • TV
  • Lists & Editorials
  • DiscussingFilm Critic Awards
  • Events
    • Awards Shows
    • Film Festivals
    • Cons
DiscussingFilm
You are at:Home » ‘Parasite’ Black & White Review – Just as Fantastic and Stylish with Added Elegance
Film

‘Parasite’ Black & White Review – Just as Fantastic and Stylish with Added Elegance

Ben RolphBy Ben RolphMarch 5, 2020 | 12:29 pm
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Email

While the miracle of color brought life to a predominantly colourless form of entertainment, black-and-white films were and have since been considered treasures. Such as filmmaker’s going to extensive lengths to reimagine modern hits into such a template, like George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Bong Joon Ho now. Today we still see black-and-white films being produced, and they have been recently ranking among some of the best in modern cinema. Such as Cold War, The Lighthouse, Roma and The Artist, to name a few.

parasite3
Courtesy of Neon

There are some questions that beg in the release of this version of the Oscar-winning film. Is it a gimmick? Is there a need? Is it just because black-and-white is considered classy? The answer is, yes, there are no real changes to the experience, but it is just as fantastic. There is no proper meaningful enhancement, but I suggest that after seeing it, I would maybe prefer to re-visit the film in black-and-white over color? Either way, the film remains a true masterclass in filmmaking.

Parasite was shot in color, therefore, naturally, the lighting was not optimised for black-and-white. To shoot black-and-white in comparison to color may not seem like a necessity, why not just do it in post-production? You just cannot simply get as much depth and contrast to the blacks, greys, and whites. However, Parasite is so immaculately designed and lit- only occasionally could you gaze upon the screen and notice, “Oh, this could have had much more contrast in the depth”. It works like a charm in its new form due to the seriously impressive discipline of Bong Joon Ho’s control of all the film’s elements. Therefore, allowing space for such changes to the aesthetics of the film.

parasite4
Courtesy of Neon

Bong Joon Ho’s film is an exemplar of a masterful filmmaker in full control of his craft. Parasite is a nerve-shredding, nail-biting, and suspense-filled commentary with a slasher twist. It is almost Hitchcockian in director Bong’s precision with his choice of shot and frame. Everything is superbly controlled and nailed to the point at which you begin to question, how is this possible? The Oscar-winning screenplay and direction are paired with Hong Gyeong-Pyo’s gorgeous cinematography that makes for a jaw-dropping, splendid venture into darkness and beauty.

In addition, the acting is phenomenal on all fronts. Park So-dam is of key-note to a large part of what makes the film churn, but Cho Yeo-Jeong delivers the finest performance of the lot. Her performance is perhaps the absolute definition of agility when it comes to acting, with a non-stop unease simmering around her, to her remarkably reactive reactions in alliance with her co-performers. Stunning work.

parasite2
Courtesy of Neon

Parasite is an unforgettable film, this glossed-up black-and-white version renewed my appeal to see the film more and more. There is an elegance to the updated aesthetics of the film, however, perhaps you miss out on some of the rich-exuberant colors of the original version? Either way, Parasite is brilliant in both formats.

★★★★★

Ben Rolph

Parasite is set to return to UK cinemas in B&W on April 3, 2020!

Follow editor Ben Rolph on Twitter: @THEDCTVSHOW

Academy Awards Best Picture Bong Joon-ho korea Korean FIlm NEON parasite Park So-Dam Song Kang-Ho
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp Telegram Email
Ben Rolph
  • Website

DiscussingFilm's Senior Film Critic, Ben Rolph, loves to review films, ranging from indies to blockbusters. He loves musicals, horror, and indies among a broad range of other genres. Also, Ben is the Chairman and Founder of the DiscussingFilm Critic Awards. In his spare time, Ben’s watching DCTV shows and going on about Melissa Benoist, Chris Wood, and Grant Gustin. Follow him here: @thedctvshow

Related Posts

Joel Kinnaman stars as Brian Godlock, a vigilante seeking revenge, in the holiday-themed action movie SILENT NIGHT.

‘Silent Night’ Review – John Woo Delivers Intense, Inspired Action but Not Much Else

December 6, 2023 | 9:30 pm
Joel Kinnaman stars as the silent vigilante Brian Godluck as he prepares to swing a crowbar in an intense close-up shot from the action movie SILENT NIGHT.

Joel Kinnaman on ‘Silent Night’ and Creating Extreme Action with John Woo – Exclusive Interview

December 6, 2023 | 5:35 pm
Timothee Chalamet stars as Willy Wonka in the middle of spectacular musical number set in the gallery gourmet in London in the movie musical WONKA.

‘Wonka’ Review – Timothée Chalamet Brings It in Paul King’s Endearing Musical

December 5, 2023 | 7:13 pm
Trending Now

Uncut Gems review – A Horrific Incoherent Mess | London Film Festival 2019

Velma Dinkley as voiced by Mindy Kaling shrieks in terror in the HBO Max animated origin story prequel series VELMA.

‘Velma’ Review – HBO Max Scooby-Doo Prequel is a Success

Kurtwood Smith reprises his role as the grumpy grandpa Red Forman in the spin-off series That '90s Show on Netflix.

‘That ’90s Show’ Review – It’s Time to Leave Wisconsin Behind

“We are the Flash” and the Importance of Iris West-Allen

Looking for Something?
Contact Us

Inquiries & Business:
[email protected]

Privacy & Cookies Policy

 

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.