After her father dies on her 18th birthday, India Stoker's mysterious uncle Charlie moves in with her and her mother. It's Park's first English-language film, written by Wentworth Miller. Watch how the house, the shoes and the cuts all link India and Charlie.
At a glance
Stoker is a 2013 thriller, mystery and drama film directed by Park Chan-wook. This breakdown covers 4 techniques (1 psychology, 1 cinematography, 1 narrative and 1 editing), each with the scene where you can see it. If you like how it is made, 2001: A Space Odyssey uses several of the same techniques.
Pairing the main character with a second character who mirrors them. The double shows what the hero wants, fears or secretly is.
How this film uses it
India and Charlie mirror each other. Both are watchful and quiet, and both have a taste for violence. As she learns what he is, she also learns what she may become.
Where to see it
The burial in the woods. After Charlie kills Whip Taylor, India helps bury the body, and she is now part of what he does.
Setting the story in a large, decaying or out-of-date house that mirrors its owner's mind. The building shows the feelings and history that keep the people inside trapped.
How this film uses it
The Stoker house is large, quiet and full of secrets. Its rooms, closets and basement hold what the family doesn't say. The house feels like the family's mind.
Where to see it
Charlie's arrival at the house. He moves into the big home after the funeral, and it begins to feel like his place.
Returning to the same physical object again and again until it means more than what it is. It moves the plot and also stands for the film's main ideas.
How this film uses it
India wears childish saddle shoes. On her birthday, Charlie gives her stiletto heels. The change in shoes marks her change from girl to something darker.
Where to see it
The stiletto heels. Charlie gives India the new shoes, which replace her saddle shoes.
Cutting between 2 images that look alike in order to connect what they mean. The match gives you an idea about how the 2 things relate, on top of a smooth transition.
How this film uses it
Editor Nicolas De Toth and Park cut between India and Charlie so their actions echo each other. The cuts join two people into one pattern. You see their connection before the story tells you.
Where to see it
The shower scene. India relives the murder while she showers, and the cuts tie her body and mind to Charlie's act.
Questions
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