Synopsis :In the 1970s, Director Kim is obsessed by the desire to re-shoot the ending of his completed film Cobweb, but chaos and turmoil grip the set with interference from the censorship authorities, and the complaints of actors and producers who can’t understand the re-written ending. Will Kim be able to find a way through this chaos to fulfill his artistic ambitions and complete his masterpiece?
Writer/Director : Jee-Woon Kim
Starring: Song Kang-Ho, Park Jeong-Su, Krystal Jung, Oh Jung-Se
How would you define a cobweb – silky, intricate but deadly. It may be small but could turn out to be enormous at most. It lures other insects and gets entrapped in the web.
“Cobweb” is a comedic movie about filmmaking. Self deprecating, alluding to egos within the powers that be. Perfection is expected by the top honchos but Murphy’s Law always does wonders. In the film Director Kim (Song Kang-Ho) desperately tries to finish his so-called “Masterpiece” in spite of the “troubles” brewing within the cast and crew, impending censorship from some government bureaucrats and the mistrust from his own producers. We see how chaotic some film productions can be. Everyone is on his own. No one can trust no one.
I find comedy in the commentary about how name stars could be like babies. They could give alibis like being allergic to fake blood on set. They could oftentimes feel invincible and irreplaceable. Are they? In this film anyone is replaceable even the Director could be an actor. The frenetic energy of the scenes within a scene was funny and wacky. Especially when Director Kim dabbled in acting for a super dramatic scene. I couldn’t stop laughing. Emphasized by the Hyper Black and White scenes with the over the top horror acting. I was in comedy heaven.
The film at times could feel convoluted. So many details, so little time. But that was the idea of the storyline. In the film, Director Kim and crew were trying to weave a cobweb of scenes all within 2 shooting days. With all the underlying drama, it was a miracle they were able to finish the film. It was the fiery scene that made me realize that all decisions by the director, especially an auteur, could end up to be a life and death situation.
Director Kim was way above his head, he did not care about the people he only cared about his film. Actor Song Kang-Ho was a sight to behold. His expressive eyes and controlled chaotic persona in this film made his comedic rendition of the role of Director Kim entertaining. He is confident but vulnerable. He was strong willed but weak. He tried to hide any insecurities he had in finishing the film. He wanted to, he barely did, but he did. Hats off to actor Song Kang-Ho. This is another Award Nomination worthy performance.
A lot of filmmaking students would learn from this film. I learned a lot too. As an actor / filmmaker I learned that being a filmmaker does not only mean possessing sheer talent. You need strong leadership, listening skills and guts. The filmmaking world could eat you alive. The film Industry is like a spider, it could sting you and trap you in its cobweb. You have to form a winning team. Your cast and crew must be the best of the best or else Murphy’s law will come knocking on your film set door.
Director Jee-Woon Kim seems to have fun creating a commentary about filmmaking. He showed us how movie making could be exciting, enticing and rewarding. This film was another sought after ticket at the Cannes Film Festival. The 10 minute standing ovation proved that the audience enjoyed it! The South Korean film industry is at the top of its game. “Cobweb”is another evidence of the “Asian wave is On”around the world. This is a Must Watch ! I highly recommend you watch this film.
Rating: A
