Decision to Kill

Key Takeaways

• Park Chan-wook’s new film, No Other Choice, is an adaptation of Donald Westlake’s novel The Ax, exploring the themes of unemployment, economic anxiety, and the consequences of desperation.
• The film follows the story of Man-su, a proud patriarch who resorts to murder to secure a job after being laid off, highlighting the dark irony of a system that values corporate strategy over human life.
• Park Chan-wook discusses his relationship with the source material, his experience with the film industry, and his thoughts on artificial intelligence in film.
• The director emphasizes the importance of having a unique voice and telling stories that come from within, rather than following genre conventions or popular trends.

Introduction to No Other Choice

Park Chan-wook’s 12th feature-length film, No Other Choice, is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, delving into the complexities of economic anxiety, desperation, and the consequences of one’s actions. The film is an adaptation of Donald Westlake’s novel The Ax, which Park Chan-wook discovered through his love of the movie Point Blank. With its unique blend of tragedy and comedy, No Other Choice promises to be a cathartic experience, challenging audiences to confront the darker aspects of human nature.

The Making of No Other Choice

In an interview with The Verge, Park Chan-wook discusses his journey to bring No Other Choice to life, a process that spanned 16 years. Initially, he had planned to make the film in Hollywood, but after facing numerous challenges and rejections, he ultimately decided to produce the film in Korea. Park Chan-wook shares his experiences with the film industry, including the fear of being let go and the struggles of securing funding for his projects. He also talks about the importance of creating a believable world for his actors, using props and set design to establish a sense of reality.

Artificial Intelligence in Film

One of the most striking aspects of No Other Choice is the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) towards the end of the film. Park Chan-wook explains that this plot point was not part of the original idea but was incorporated due to the timely nature of the topic. He believes that any director making a movie about employment or unemployment would be remiss not to mention AI. The inclusion of AI adds a new layer of complexity to the film, highlighting the futility of Man-su’s actions and the inevitable collapse of his family.

Park Chan-wook’s Creative Process

Park Chan-wook is known for his unique approach to filmmaking, often blending genres and pushing boundaries. He emphasizes the importance of having a unique voice and telling stories that come from within. Rather than following genre conventions or popular trends, he believes that filmmakers should focus on creating a sincere and spontaneous narrative. Park Chan-wook also shares his experiences with film criticism, which he resorted to after his first two films failed at the box office. He notes that being a film critic is a great profession, but it was not what he wanted, and he suffered from envy and frustration during that time.

Advice for Young Filmmakers

Park Chan-wook offers valuable advice for young filmmakers, stressing the importance of honesty and self-examination. He encourages aspiring directors to tell stories that come spontaneously from within, rather than trying to follow popular trends or genre conventions. Park Chan-wook believes that spontaneity is the most important aspect of filmmaking, and that it is essential to have a unique voice and perspective. He also notes that it is easy to say this, but putting it into practice is another thing entirely.

Conclusion and Future Projects

No Other Choice is set to be released in select theaters on December 25, 2025, with a wider release planned in January. Park Chan-wook is already working on his next projects, including a Western and a sci-fi action film. He is traveling with the film’s star, Lee Byung-hun, and enjoying a glass of wine with him. Park Chan-wook’s experiences and insights offer a unique perspective on the film industry, and his advice for young filmmakers is both inspiring and thought-provoking. As No Other Choice hits theaters, audiences can expect a thought-provoking and cathartic experience that challenges them to confront the darker aspects of human nature.