Framing is an important tool in films that can really change how we understand the story and feel about it. In the movie Parasite by Bong Joon-ho, framing is used carefully to highlight ideas about class struggle, social unfairness, and human trickery.

1. Visual Framing and Class Differences

In Parasite, framing helps show the big differences between the poor Kim family and the rich Park family. The way the shots are set up often shows who is in charge by how they are positioned.

• Aspect Ratios: The film uses a wide 2.39:1 aspect ratio. This gives a big view that helps us see the differences in living situations in South Korea.
• Height Differences: In many important scenes, characters are shot at different heights. For example, the Kims are often shown from below when they are with the Parks, showing that they are less important.

2. Space and Symbolism

How space is used in Parasite is a big part of its storytelling. The different homes of the two families tell us a lot about their social status.

• Basement vs. Mansion: The Kims live in a semi-basement apartment, showing their insecure place in society, while the Parks’ mansion stands for wealth and privilege. This contrast is clear in scenes where the Kims look at the Parks from their window, showing their feelings of longing and envy.
• The Staircase: The staircase in the Park mansion appears often. Going up the stairs shows a chance for a better life but also shows the struggles that the Kims face.

3. Framing and Character Relationships

The way characters are framed not only shows social classes but also highlights their relationships and power struggles. The way shots are put together adds to the movie's dark humor.

• Close-ups: Close-up shots show the strong feelings of characters. For example, tight close-ups of Ki-taek (played by Song Kang-ho) reveal his anger and wishes when he finds out about the Parks’ money.
• Group Shots: When we see the Kims together in group shots, it shows their teamwork and strength, even though they are not wealthy.

4. Framing Techniques that Add to the Story

Bong Joon-ho uses several framing techniques to make the story more exciting and create tension.

• Split Diopters: This technique lets both the front and back of a shot be in focus at the same time. This way, we can see two different stories in one scene. For example, one scene shows the Kims working on their plans while hinting at the chaos that will come.
• Negative Space: The clever use of empty space around characters often shows how alone they feel and how separated they are from society. This is especially strong in scenes that involve lying or betrayal.

5. Conclusion: The Power of Framing

Through these film techniques, framing in Parasite gives deeper meanings that explore complex ideas. The cinematography helps us understand class conflict very well—like how in 2020, South Korea had a Gini coefficient of about 0.345, which shows a lot of income inequality. It also pushes viewers to think about their views on social status. The visual storytelling in Parasite strongly highlights the film’s criticism of capitalism and social systems, making it an essential example of how film techniques can tell important cultural stories.