James Gunn, known for his work with both Marvel and DC, has often shared his deep passion for comic book history, which has significantly influenced his filmmaking approach. Among the diverse inspirations he credits is the South Korean film Oldboy, a groundbreaking adaptation of a Japanese manga that redefined the action genre and left a lasting mark on comic-inspired cinema.
The Impact of ‘Oldboy’ on James Gunn’s Filmmaking Style
Oldboy, directed by Park Chan-wook, stands out as a film that combines vivid cinematic style with raw, intense storytelling. Gunn has praised the movie for its unique tone, describing it as
“incredibly cinematic, incredibly colorful, really kind of gross, but also beautiful,”
James Gunn, Director. This film’s mix of striking visuals and brutal narrative has inspired Gunn’s own storytelling techniques, especially in portraying complex characters and emotional depth within action sequences.
Gunn’s selection of his favorite comic book films shows his appreciation for the genre’s range. From the humor and self-awareness of Deadpool to the visual innovation of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and the foundational impact of Superman: The Movie, Gunn values stories that explore different facets of comic book storytelling. Another example he admires is A History of Violence, which offers a darker, more serious take on the consequences of a violent past, reflecting the mature tones Gunn often weaves into his own projects.
How ‘Oldboy’ Redefined Action Sequences and Influenced Gunn’s Direction
The most iconic moment in Oldboy is its hallway fight scene, where Oh Dae-su, portrayed by Choi Min-sik, fights his way through a narrow corridor filled with adversaries. This sequence masterfully uses confined spaces to heighten tension and demonstrate the physical limitations faced by the hero. The choreography focuses heavily on practical stunts and a stationary camera, capturing every brutal detail with clarity.
This approach clearly influenced Gunn, who incorporated a similar hallway battle in the first Guardians of the Galaxy film, where Groot single-handedly takes down a group of foes as the other heroes navigate the same tight space. Furthermore, Gunn’s films often feature hand-to-hand combat with a blend of seriousness and humor; for example, Rainn Wilson’s character in Super hilariously trains to become the superhero known as The Crimson Bolt.
Beyond action, Oldboy also blends elements of horror through its graphic violence and the visible toll taken by the protagonist. While the violence in Gunn’s work tends to be more comedic, he does not shy away from intense scenes, evident in moments like the shooting competition between Deathstroke and Peacemaker in his R-rated film The Suicide Squad. He balances grit and levity, a technique that finds partial roots in the uncompromising tone set by Park Chan-wook.
The Role of ‘Oldboy’ in Shaping Mature Comic Book Adaptations
When Oldboy was released, the world of comic book films was dominated by mainstream hits such as Spider-Man and X-Men, which were generally lighter in tone and broadly appealing. Park’s film, however, demonstrated that comic adaptations could be more mature and complex, opening the door for a new wave of R-rated, adult-oriented graphic novel films like Dredd, Atomic Blonde, Constantine, V for Vendetta, and A History of Violence.
This broader acceptance of darker and more nuanced storytelling expanded the market and audience for graphic novel cinema. Renowned critics such as Roger Ebert referred to Oldboy as a masterpiece, recognizing its artistic merit outside South Korea. Although an American remake starring Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Olsen fell short with critics and audiences, the original film’s reputation has only grown over time.
Unlike many modern superhero films that serve as setups for larger crossover events, Oldboy stands alone as a complex, self-contained story. It explores themes such as class relations, the reimagining of classic tragedies like Oedipus, and the destructive cycle of vengeance. The film’s ambiguous ending leaves viewers questioning the protagonist’s ultimate choice, adding layers of depth that encourage repeated viewings.
James Gunn’s admiration for films like Oldboy suggests that his future contributions to the DC Universe will continue to push boundaries, mixing action with substantive storytelling that challenges audiences emotionally and thematically.
Exploring the Cast and Story Behind ‘Oldboy’
Oldboy tells the story of Oh Dae-su, played by Choi Min-sik, a man consumed by vengeance after being inexplicably imprisoned in solitary confinement for twenty years. Yoo Ji-tae co-stars as Lee Woo-jin, adding depth to the film’s intricate narrative. Driven by a need to understand the reasons behind his imprisonment, Oh Dae-su’s journey is one of brutal combat and psychological discovery that challenges viewers’ perceptions of heroism and justice.
