Park Chan-wook’s New Thriller “I Can’t Help It”: A Riveting Adaptation of Donald Westlake’s “The Ax”
Korean cinema has long been known for its ability to captivate audiences worldwide, blending intricate storytelling with powerful visuals. Among its most celebrated filmmakers is Park Chan-wook, an auteur whose work has consistently pushed the boundaries of genre and style. This weekend, Park embarks on a new cinematic journey with his 12th feature film, “I Can’t Help It,” an adaptation of American author Donald Westlake’s 1996 novel The Ax. This highly anticipated project is already making waves in the industry, bringing together some of Korea’s most prominent acting talents, including Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin.
The Story Behind “I Can’t Help It”
“I Can’t Help It” is based on The Ax, a novel by Donald Westlake, an American writer known for his mastery of crime and thriller genres. Westlake’s work was previously adapted into the French film Le Couperet (The Axe) by Costa-Gavras in 2005, a movie that gained critical acclaim for its dark humor and sharp social commentary.
The plot of The Ax centers on a man who, after being laid off from his job at a paper company, becomes increasingly desperate as he searches for new employment. His frustration and despair drive him to extreme measures: eliminating his job competitors. In Park Chan-wook’s adaptation, the protagonist, named Man-soo, will be portrayed by Lee Byung-hun, a versatile actor who has gained international fame through roles like the Front Man in Netflix’s Squid Game. The character of Man-soo’s wife, Mi-ri, will be played by Son Ye-jin, whose warm and relatable on-screen presence has earned her the title of the “Nation’s First Love” in Korea.
A Star-Studded Cast
The film’s casting is nothing short of impressive. Lee Byung-hun, a frequent collaborator of Park Chan-wook, first rose to prominence with the director’s 2000 film Joint Security Area, a film that has since become a classic in Korean cinema. Lee’s range as an actor, from action-packed roles to deep emotional performances, makes him the perfect choice to lead this dark thriller.
Son Ye-jin, making her first appearance in a Park Chan-wook film, brings her own star power to the project. Known for her roles in romantic dramas and thrillers alike, Son’s ability to portray complex characters will undoubtedly add depth to the story. Together, Lee and Son’s on-screen chemistry is expected to be one of the highlights of the film.
The supporting cast of I Can’t Help It is equally noteworthy. Lee Sung-min, known for his role in The Spy Gone North, and Yeom Hye-ran, who starred in Life, will play a couple facing similar struggles with unemployment. Park Hee-soon, recognized for his work in The Scam, will take on the role of the paper company’s team leader, adding another layer of tension to the narrative. Additionally, Cha Seung-won (One Ordinary Day) and Yoo Yeon-seok (Mr. Sunshine) will appear as a job competitor and Mi-ri’s colleague, respectively.
Park Chan-wook’s Continuing Legacy
I Can’t Help It marks Park Chan-wook’s first feature film since his critically acclaimed romantic mystery drama Decision to Leave (2022). Known for his ability to blend genres and create visually stunning films, Park has established himself as one of the leading voices in international cinema. His filmography includes Old Boy (2003), a film that has become iconic for its intense narrative and stylistic innovation. Park’s work often explores themes of revenge, identity, and moral ambiguity, and I Can’t Help It seems poised to continue in this tradition.
In recent years, Park has also ventured into television, co-directing the HBO miniseries The Sympathizer, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen. This project, starring Robert Downey Jr., further showcased Park’s versatility as a director and storyteller.
What to Expect from “I Can’t Help It”
As production begins, there is already significant buzz surrounding I Can’t Help It. The film promises to deliver the intense psychological drama and intricate character studies that have become synonymous with Park Chan-wook’s work. While the official release date has not yet been announced, fans are eagerly awaiting its premiere, hoping for a possible debut at the Cannes Film Festival, where Park is a regular and has previously premiered four of his films.
CJ ENM, the film’s financier and distributor, has a strong track record of backing successful Korean films, further heightening expectations for I Can’t Help It. Given the pedigree of the talent involved and the gripping source material, this film is poised to be one of the most talked-about releases in the coming year.
In conclusion, I Can’t Help It represents a thrilling new chapter in Park Chan-wook’s storied career. With a compelling narrative, a stellar cast, and the visionary direction of one of cinema’s great auteurs, this film is set to captivate audiences both in Korea and internationally. Whether you’re a fan of Korean cinema, psychological thrillers, or simply great storytelling, I Can’t Help It is a movie that should be on your radar.
