Bong Joon Ho, the acclaimed South Korean filmmaker, is back with a new project, and this time he's venturing into the world of animation. In an exclusive interview with Variety, the director discusses his first animated feature, 'Ally', and his journey in the film industry. With a star-studded voice cast and a unique story set in the depths of the South Pacific Ocean, 'Ally' marks a significant departure from Bong's previous live-action works.
A Return to Animation
Bong's decision to venture into animation is rooted in his personal history. He reveals that his first short film was an animated stop-motion project, which was mentally exhausting. This experience led him to gravitate towards live-action for the past three decades. However, the desire to return to animation never left him. The director explains that the idea for 'Ally' came from a book titled 'The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss' by photographer Claire Nouvian. The book's captivating photographs of deep-sea creatures inspired Bong to create a story about a curious piglet squid dreaming of becoming a wildlife documentary star.
A New Medium, A New Challenge
Animation, Bong admits, offers a fresh canvas for storytelling. He has always aspired to create an action sequence that surpasses the greats, and 'Ally' presents an opportunity to fulfill this ambition. Unlike live-action, where resources and deadlines limit the scope of action sequences, animation provides unlimited possibilities. This freedom allows Bong to fully embrace his control freak tendencies and create a visually stunning action sequence.
Family-Friendly or Not?
While 'Ally' is not a children's film in the traditional sense, it is undoubtedly family-friendly. However, Bong's previous experience with 'Okja' on Netflix, which received a mature rating due to a specific sequence, has made him cautious. He believes that 'Ally' is accessible to elementary school kids, but he is mindful of the potential for unexpected reactions from audiences.
Surprising Fans, Not Deviating from Signature Style
Bong acknowledges that fans of his previous films might be initially surprised by 'Ally'. The animation medium is a refreshing change, and the story's unique setting and premise could captivate audiences. However, he assures that fans will quickly recognize his signature style. The director's ability to blend genres and create compelling narratives remains intact, and 'Ally' is no exception.
Hollywood Studios and Creative Control
Working with a major Hollywood studio for the first time presented both challenges and opportunities for Bong. 'Mickey 17', his first film with a budget above $100 million, required him to navigate the studio system and maintain creative control. Despite the pressure, Bong successfully defended his artistic vision, ensuring that the final cut of the film reflected his intentions. This experience has reinforced his preference for working on smaller-scale projects in the future.
Reuniting with Neon
Bong's reunion with 'Parasite' distributors Neon is a significant development. The director shares a special bond with Neon's Tom Quinn, who acquired 'Parasite' early on and supported the film's success. This partnership symbolizes a celebration of their 20-year journey together, marked by the distribution of 'The Host' and 'Snowpiercer'. Bong expresses his joy at working with Neon again, highlighting the trust and mutual respect between the director and the distribution company.
In conclusion, Bong Joon Ho's foray into animation with 'Ally' is a testament to his creativity and willingness to explore new mediums. The film promises to offer a unique blend of his signature style and the limitless possibilities of animation. As audiences eagerly await the release of 'Ally', they can expect a visually stunning and thought-provoking experience that only Bong Joon Ho can deliver.
