Filmmaker Fakes Nature for 'Possible Love' Climax

Cinematographer Kim Ji-yong shared insights into crafting the visual style of "Possible Love," Lee Chang-dong's acclaimed drama, during a masterclass at BIFF. He explained the film's core principle of supporting natural light, with artificial lights used merely to supplement existing illumination during daytime scenes and existing lamps at night.

Kim recounted the effort behind the film's climax, where the crew had to manually shake trees with ropes to simulate wind, a testament to their thorough preparation exceeding 100%. He described this as a memorable moment, emphasizing how staff effort, not a 'film ghost,' created the desired effect.

The film's naturalism extended to its production design, with locations like a character's vacation home meticulously planned and even built during pre-production. Kim noted that "Possible Love" involved the most extensive planning and debate of his career to achieve its natural appearance.

Shot mostly handheld with a single camera, the film aimed for an intimate yet unobtrusive perspective. Kim also discussed blurring the lines between the main film's footage and scenes shot from within the narrative's documentary, creating a cohesive visual experience. The director's dedication to this authentic feel was evident throughout the filming process.