Z세대 감독의 새로운 영화 언어, 할리우드 뒤흔들다

The highly anticipated Korean film "Opession" is set to open in theaters today, breaking records with a revenue of almost 700 times its production costs, making it the top buzzworthy film of the year in Hollywood. This success is indicative of a new era for the genre as created by 1999-born YouTuber Curie Baker. Baker's first feature-length film, "Milk and Serial," was made with a budget of only $800, and he released it on his own YouTube channel after being rejected by multiple distributors.

Baker then used the interest he garnered to create a low-budget $750,000 version of "Opession." The film was finally picked up by Focus Features, a division of Universal Pictures, for a licensing fee of $15 million. Since its release, the film has grossed over $500 million, making it Focus Features' highest-grossing title to date.

The film's success is due in part to its refusal to rewrite the character of Bear (played by Michael Jordan) as requested by investors. Baker, who insists on keeping the character true to his original vision, has created a complex and controversial protagonist. The character of Bear is both likable and unsympathetic, intelligent and foolish, and ruthless and vulnerable. This ambiguity draws in audiences, particularly younger viewers, who can relate to the struggles of rejection and the fear of being rejected.

The film's unique approach to storytelling is another factor in its success. Unlike traditional horror films, "Opession" does not rely on jump scares or quick cuts to create tension. Instead, it uses long takes and atmospheric music to build tension and keep the audience on edge. The film's widescreen format, at 1.5:1 rather than the standard 1.85:1, also contributes to its unsettling atmosphere, making the audience feel as if they are peering into a character's mind with a sense of unease.

In short, "Opession" is a groundbreaking film that challenges the conventions of the horror genre and speaks to the anxieties of a new generation of moviegoers. Its success is a testament to the creativity and vision of its director, Curie Baker, and sets the stage for a new era of cinematic storytelling.