Director Park Chan-wook Discusses Filming Strategy for ‘The Sympathizer’

Renowned filmmaker Park Chan-wook recently shared insights into his directorial choices for the HBO limited series ‘The Sympathizer.’

Adapted from Viet Thanh Nguyen’s novel, the series kicks off with Episode 1 featuring the unnamed protagonist referred to as The Captain, portrayed by Hoa Xuande. The narrative structure cleverly involves The Captain’s interrogation, setting the stage for the flashbacks that follow.

In a Zoom discussion, Park highlighted the pivotal role of The Commandant, portrayed by Quinn Hoà, whose interruptions in the storytelling add depth to the narrative. The Commandant’s engagement mirrors that of viewers, offering meta-commentary on the unfolding events and enhancing the audience’s experience.

Exploring the complex dynamics between a prisoner and captor, ‘The Sympathizer’ skillfully illustrates the intricacies of their relationship. Even amid tension and mistrust, there exists an underlying connection and fascination that draws them closer.

Park directed the first three episodes of the seven-part series, a decision influenced by the demanding nature of the project. Having previously written and directed all episodes of ‘The Little Drummer Girl,’ Park acknowledged the physical constraints and workload, ultimately opting to focus on the initial installments.

While Park expressed a desire to helm all episodes, the logistical challenges of television production necessitated a more strategic approach. Balancing the demands of writing subsequent episodes while filming earlier segments reinforced his decision to delegate some directing responsibilities.

‘The Sympathizer’ is now available for streaming on HBO, with new episodes released weekly on the platform, promising viewers a compelling and immersive viewing experience.