What do you think about Marxist theory in cinema, and how has it been depicted globally and over time? Does Parasite (2019) by Bong Joon Ho offer a novel way of communicating its message?
Please add your refenreces at the end of your response.
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Edited: Sep 23, 2024
Marxist Theory in Film
Marxist Theory in Film
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What is Marxist theory and how is it portrayed across geography and time frame?
Marxism is a philosophical concept created by German philosopher Karl Marx, discussing the class difference in society by questioning the unequal wage and the possession of means of production. It summarized societal development into 5 steps, primitive communism, slavery, feudalism, capitalism, and socialism. It discussed, in detail, the downside of capitalism, the ruling class, who is the "Bourgeoisie" exploiting the "Proletariats", who is being ruled and exploited. The Bourgeoisie usually possess resources and power to control the below, creating a very strong power dynamic. (Ecomomic Times)
How does parasite with the Marxist theory in film?
The film Parasite by Boon Jun Ho talks about a very poor "Bourgeoisie" family, living in a semi-basement and finding their way into a rich family, who is "Proletariats". The power dynamics in the film between the different classes through cinematography, character establishment and directing style is worth discussing.
In cinematography, the director successfully used lines and shapes in the environment to divide classes. It also uses lighting very smartly.
The character establishment, in Parasite, successfully portrayed a solid picture of the families and reflected the society.
Works Cited
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5dFxFqlLwY
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/definition/marxism
http://www.avsci.org/article/10.11648/j.ijla.20231101.11