Midnight Screening: “The Chaser” by Na Hong-Jin

Presented in midnight screening, The Chaser is Korean director Na Hong-Jin’s first film, and is thus also eligible for the Caméra d’Or. The director provided these clues: “This is my tribute to the ‘film noir’ tradition, where an inversion of values has practically become a convention. However, the film is also a commentary on the degradation of contemporary society.”

Na Hong-Jin stages a ruthless manhunt in Seoul, opposing a former cop who has become a pimp and a Jack-the-Ripper-type serial killer who preys on prostitutes. “I feel that realism is the most effective way to share your vision of a story,” continued Na Hong-Jin. “To me, it seems to be the most intelligent approach.”