Actor Lee Sun-kyun Reflects on the Film's Unique Blend of Genres and His Unforgettable Cannes Experience

LOTTE ENTERTAINMENT

In a serendipitous turn of events, actor Lee Sun-kyun found himself at a crossroads when maestro Bong Joon-ho extended an intriguing proposition: to star in a film by Bong's former assistant director, Jason Yu. Eager to collaborate with a promising newcomer and bolstered by Bong's recommendation, Lee's decision has not only led him to the silver screen but also back to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

Yu's upcoming film, "Sleep," slated for a September 6th release, marks his directorial debut after his stint as assistant director on Bong's acclaimed "Okja" (2017). The unique blend of horror, comedy, and family drama caught Lee's attention, and his involvement has yielded a standout piece that masterfully navigates these varied genres.

During a recent group interview at a café in central Seoul's Jung District, Lee shared the influence of Bong's recommendation on his decision. “Bong called me and urged me to work with Yu, which had a critical effect on me appearing in ‘Sleep,’” Lee conveyed. “Bong highly recommended Yu as a talented newcomer and he was absolutely right. This film showcases the talents of a new director whose work everybody should watch.”

"Sleep" introduces viewers to a newlywed couple, portrayed by Lee and Jung Yu-mi, whose relationship faces an extraordinary challenge: Lee's character Hyeon-soo suffers from bizarre nocturnal behaviors that range from unsettling to destructive. Crafted with finesse, the film has earned acclaim, including an invitation to the Critics’ Week section at this year's Cannes International Film Festival, where it received a rousing standing ovation.

The film's distinct approach left a lasting impression on Lee. "Yu was very economical in the way he directed ‘Sleep,’" he explained. "Nothing was wasted and I think we used over 90 percent of the footage in the final cut of the film, which is extraordinary. It's safe to say that there was a very good reason Bong recommended him to me." Lee's trust in Bong's endorsement is particularly meaningful as he had previously appeared in Bong's masterpiece "Parasite."
 

▲ A scene from ″Sleep″ (LOTTE ENTERTAINMENT)
Among the film's memorable scenes, one that stands out involves Lee's character unconsciously chewing on raw meat while sleepwalking. The authenticity of this eerie scene left a significant impact on both his co-star Jung and the crew on set. Reflecting on the challenging sequence, Lee shared, “Those scenes were the most difficult to act during part one of the film. But I wanted to try something surprising and the staff helped me by picking out very fresh and clean raw meat. It took us five to six takes to film, which is not very many takes, and I am proud of it.”

Lee's portrayal of Hyeon-soo is characterized by a blend of cluelessness and a desire to express remorse for the havoc he inadvertently wreaks. "It wasn’t in the script, but I wanted Hyeon-soo to appear sorry for what he is doing," Lee elucidated. "If I were in his shoes I would have just packed up and left for a hotel, or sent my wife to her parents once I knew what was happening. It is also comical in a way how the couple tries so hard to be together despite the difficulties caused by Hyeon-soo’s sleeping habits.”

Lee emphasized the film's multifaceted nature, which seamlessly weaves together elements of suspense, humor, and emotion. As he explained, “While 'Sleep' may look like a thriller on the surface, the film is also a black comedy and a family drama, blending these genres effectively and scaring, entertaining and moving the audience.” This innovative genre blend was a pivotal factor that attracted Lee to the project, in addition to Bong's endorsement.

For Lee, the Cannes experience was an unforgettable family affair. Attending the festival with his young sons, the actor noted that their mix of fascination and fright during the film's scarier moments was balanced by the excitement of the event. “We did not get to meet a lot of audience members at Cannes because we were invited to the Critics’ Week section, but it was a great experience for the family,” he shared.

As "Sleep" approaches its release date, Lee remains profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work on such a distinctive project. “I am grateful for the opportunity and to have worked in a film like ‘Sleep.’ I hope audiences will like it as much as I am proud of having acted in it,” Lee concluded, a testament to the fusion of talent, collaboration, and creativity that has culminated in this compelling cinematic offering.

Sayart.net 

Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com