Unveiling Human Complexity: Saltburn, Parasite and The Handmaiden

Posing as someone else to steal from the rich, as well as other binding threads. A cinematic trio that remarks on class, identity, and morality. Saltburn, Parasite, and The Handmaiden stand out as expressive works for cinema, each offering a unique perspective on shared themes that resonate across cultural boundaries.

Class, Desire & The Illusion of Privilege

A central theme that echoes through all three movies is that of social strata and the curious plights of class divide. The movie Parasite, which I watched upon release back in 2019, offered a satirical commentary on social inequalities in South Korea. The film centres on the Kim family, who infiltrate the lives of the more affluent Park family. It delves into the lengths the poor Kims are willing to go to escape poverty through blurred moral lines. Visually appealing, I thoroughly enjoyed the cinematography in Parasite. It was a striking showcase of well-choreographed camerawork and distinctive composition techniques.

The Handmaiden is set in 1930s Korea during the Japanese occupation. It explores the intersection of class, gender, and sexuality; a tale of deceit and manipulation between a wealthy heiress and her handmaiden. The plot was filled with twists, humour, and sumptuous visuals while exploring gripping themes of lust and desire. The most recent of the films, Saltburn, delves into the depths of desire and obsession, taking audiences on a twisted journey through the mind of university student Oliver Quick. The film explores how desires can spiral into destructive obsession as the main character plots to obtain the opulent Saltburn Estate.

In each movie, the directors skillfully navigate the complexities of human relationships within a societal framework, challenging viewers to question their own preconceptions about class and privilege.

Deception and Identity

The theme of trickery runs through these films, giving the narratives their fascinating appeal. The charades constructed, which give these characters their essence as they navigate their environments, make for enjoyable viewing. In Parasite, the Kim family con their way into the employ of the well-off Park family. The major critique this aspect of the film poses is the superficial judgments made based on appearances and the consequences of misrepresentation.

The Handmaiden explores identity through the lens of duplicity, where the characters adopt various roles and personas in pursuit of purpose and desire. The film questions the reality of relationships and the extent to which individuals can truly know one another. In Saltburn, the protagonist fabricates facets of his personality in his relentless pursuit. Oliver Quick’s manufacture of a false, tragic backstory to worm his way into the lives of the propertied Catton family highlights his nefariousness. Despite the buoyancy of all three movies and the identification with ‘working people’s’ suggestive contempt for the rich, the films challenge viewers to question the authenticity of human connections and the fragility of identity in the face of incessant desire.

The common thread here is the exploration of the fluidity of identity and the consequences of living in a world where appearances can be deceiving.

Power, Control & Hidden Motives

Exerting influence over others is a double-edged sword. In Parasite, the Park family’s wealth grants them power over the Kim family, which inherently fosters a climate of dependency and ill-treatment. The film speaks to how we all know power dynamics and societal expectations shape human relationships.

The Handmaiden weaves a tale of power struggles and exploitation with Lady Hideko of the grand colonial estate, seeking to flee the oppressive control of her uncle. Raised under strict conditions, groomed and exploited for her inheritance, Hideko yearns for freedom.

Saltburn is a tale that follows an unreliable narrator, who is presented as seemingly inferior from the start of the film. However, as the narrative unfolds, the leading man, Oliver, manipulates those around him, fabricating mistruths to fulfil his goal. Like in life, the characters contend for control and agency, revealing the consequences of doing so.

Morality and Ethical Grey Areas

In Parasite, the Kim family’s actions are driven by their desperation to escape poverty. As they cunningly deceive a wealthy family, the narrative uses irony to blur the moral lines, challenging notions of right and wrong. The film suggests that in a society marked by stark class divides, moral decisions become complex and subjective.

The main characters in The Handmaiden deceive and betray one another for personal gain. The film explores the topic of sexual exploitation, particularly through the relationship between Lady Hideko and her uncle. He controls and exploits Lady Hideko’s sexuality for his own perverse desires, raising questions about consent and autonomy. In contrast, her blossoming romance with Sook-hee, the handmaiden, shows us the vagueness between exploitation and genuine affection.

Lastly, the moral issue in Saltburn is Oliver’s ‘fake it till you make it’ approach to getting what he wants. His escalating obsession leads him to commit increasingly reckless and depraved acts. Another ethical implication explored is how the exertion of egocentric dominance over others often leads to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Reflections on Humanity

The shared theme of moral ambiguity across these films definitely inspires introspection. The rise to the forefront of these sorts of in-your-face tales does prompt questions about our conventional moral frameworks while poking fun at caricatures of men and women and how we all relate to each other.

Parasite, The Handmaiden, and Saltburn certainly made me confront the nuances of the human condition through the eyes of the characters’ moral dilemmas. These movies serve as mirrors, reflecting the intricacies and ambiguity of human life, reminding us that, despite our differences, we all have shared humanity.