Parasite vs. Sunset Boulevard - The Disillusionment Arc

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Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the Hollywood classic Sunset Boulevard tells a story that follows an uncommon trajectory. Instead of containing a "positive change arc" as so many films do, this is a story of disillusionment. And despite it being a story from long ago, this disillusionment story bears remarkable similarities to Parasite-a tense social satire about a poor family, the Kims, who con their way into becoming the servants of a rich family, the Parks. In this video we compare the character arcs from both films.
Produced by: Michael Tucker ( / michaeltuckerla )
Written by:
- Tricia Aurand ( / triciajeana )
- Brian Bitner ( / brianbitner )
- Alex Calleros ( / alex_calleros )
Edited by: Alex Calleros
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[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

What's your favorite movie pre-1970?! (And no, you're not crazy, we did also just do a different video on Parasite: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npaWqWicobl5hsk)

[@doublefeatures6312]

Singin' in the Rain

[@haejinJ]

12 angry men (1957)

[@j.a.a.x8818]

Rear Window

[@athulkishan6226]

Persona 1966 or Andrei Rublev

[@Sharath275]

Hi Machel,can u do an video about comedy writing...how something makes u laugh even in serious situation like the HBO series barry created by bill hader..please consider this request in future

[@severallybrianth6557]

"A man who wanted a pool, got a pool, and ultimately drowned in a pool. " My god it's so precise.

[@leochillrud6255]

Well he actually died of gun shots so no

[@Afterworkhours22]

Sounds like the Great Gatsby

[@NPC02006]

In Parasite, a man who wants a big house ends up trapped in it.

[@nikagogibedashvili6476]

Billy Wilder is hell of a director and screenwriter

[@bijanadhikari7928]

Joe Gillis: You're Norma Desmond. You used to be in silent pictures. You used to be big. Norma Desmond: I am big. It's the pictures that got small. Still one of the greatest quotes ever in a film.

[@KutWrite]

Yes, and "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. deMille." (and the look on Max's face as he "directs" it)

[@GigaChadh976]

Yeah it showcases her ego as well

[@hamman91]

Fun fact, the midpoint in Parasite when the old house keep rings the door bell of the Park's household is the exact middle page in the screenplay.

[@spookyho5994]

Damn, that’s amazing

[@Minivaaaaal]

From then on they all seem to be crossing lines

[@monky6520]

where do the details end with this movie

[@connorjh49]

1 page 1 minute, that’ll happen more than you think

[@nickythepro5743]

My cat did the same thing. He sees the ledge, and try to jump to it. He failed to reach it, but everyday he tries to do it. He believes in the lie, yet I always believes in him

[@ManishSharma-yl3zt]

Sometimes I watch a movie just so that I can watch a LFTS video about it.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

:D

[@i_so_late]

@@LessonsfromtheScreenplay same here there's like 6 movies I've seen just to watch one of these videos

[@rtkThirteen]

Exactly, I've not seen Sunset Boulevard and now I feel like I've ruined a little bit of something by deciding to watch this first. I'll remember, going forward, that if LftS heavily references a film, that it is very likely worth watching.

[@luispanzar4764]

Yep! Finished Sunset Boulevard forty minutes ago. Finished this video forty seconds ago. Not a bad investment of time.

[@filmthoughtproject5699]

Parasite really does feels like a movie from the classic Hollywood era. Watching it is almost like watching a Hitchcock or Orson Welles movie. The pacing, the shot selection... It’s brilliant.

[@mezzanoon]

Never having seen Sunset Boulevard, just that scene of Joe's death was incredible & moving: his unrelenting walk to the pool. Seems so modern by many standards, I'll have to be watching it!

[@xBINARYGODx]

Many older movies feel very modern, actually.

[@DhruvPatel-gs8db]

@@xBINARYGODx Can you suggest a few, please.

[@alejandrobenavides766]

@@DhruvPatel-gs8db The Apartment from the same director of Sunset Boulevard feels very modern. Now I'm thinking that's just a Billy Wilder thing, for his films to stand so well against time.

[@MliDube]

That scene looks exactly how the Leo DiCaprio's death looked int the Great Gatsby.

[@KutWrite]

@@DhruvPatel-gs8db Try: The Searchers, Harper, and if you like Sci-Fi, Forbidden Planet.

[@Golwen_]

It's a good day when both Now You See It and Lessons from the Screenplay upload a video half an hour from each other.

[@geekresponsibly5509]

Ikr!!!

[@MoxieMcMurder]

A good day indeed!

[@shawnargent4472]

“A character pursues a dream, finally seems to achieve it, only to realize that the dream is hollow.” It’s funny how you say this because the scholar rock Kiwoo was given was actually fake and hollow... which is how he survived it.

[@collator]

Shawn Argent I keep forgetting that he doesn’t die. That party scene is such a climax I don’t remember anything past it. I guess you could say I continue to believe the lie.

[@Arttective]

I love how Parasite's soundtrack plays over clips of Sunset Blvd. and vice versa

[@KutWrite]

Yes, he does a great editing job.

[@deadbars8755]

I wonder how much research you did on this video? Every Lfts video usually takes a month to be released. Keep the work, please do a Scorsese film like Taxi Driver

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

In our current process, from pitch to release takes 10 weeks. We were talking about this video in particular back in January. But...we're ramping up our speed...

[@deadbars8755]

@@LessonsfromtheScreenplay wow I appreciate your hard work, just take your time and I can wait as long as it takes

[@Greendalewitch]

@@LessonsfromtheScreenplay Out of curiosity how do you decide what research material to use? I have seen you use Robert McKee, John Truby and other but never really why you decided to use these particular research materials.

[@canaisyoung3601]

Or if Taxi Driver really is anything like Joker? I keep hearing that it is.

[@deadbars8755]

@@canaisyoung3601 actually no joker is more like the king of comedy

[@noeller6217]

Regular character arc: We will be happy in the end :) Sunset Boulevard & Parasite: HA, NOPE!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

See, the video could have been a lot shorter if we'd just used this as the script!

[@ivanyarovoy7985]

Mention Billy Wilder, his films often have this pattern with "building up life around lie" and "self-rejecting for what's "real good"". "Ace in the Hole", "Sunset Boulevard", "Some Like it Hot", "Room" - in different ways but still and this is the list i only familiar with.

[@Nick-ft4dk]

I feel like Black Swan has this arc to but only if you interpret Nina's goal as getting the role of the swan queen rather than achieving greatness.

[@Torgo1969]

With much wisdom comes much sorrow. - Ecclesiastes “For the rest of the earth’s organisms, existence is relatively uncomplicated. Their lives are about three things: survival, reproduction, death-and nothing else. But we know too much to content ourselves with surviving, reproducing, dying-and nothing else. We know we are alive and know we will die. We also know we will suffer during our lives before suffering-slowly or quickly-as we draw near to death. This is the knowledge we “enjoy” as the most intelligent organisms to gush from the womb of nature. And being so, we feel shortchanged if there is nothing else for us than to survive, reproduce, and die. We want there to be more to it than that, or to think there is. This is the tragedy: Consciousness has forced us into the paradoxical position of striving to be unself-conscious of what we are-hunks of spoiling flesh on disintegrating bones.” ― Thomas Ligotti, "The Conspiracy Against the Human Race"

[@willjohnsnow]

Great to see the disillusionment story getting some love! 👏I still remember being unable to get up from my seat after The Wrestler.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Yeah, these kinds of stories can really pack an emotional punch.

[@seancamerondalton2145]

I'd love to see a video on how research relates to screenwriting. Maybe The Witch or The Lighthouse, since Robert Eggers loves going for authenticity.

[@ari7579]

OMG I REQUESTED YOU DO SUNSET BOULEVARD LIKE OVER A YEAR AGO IM SO HAPPY!!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

:) Sorry it takes awhile sometimes!

[@crapshots]

Oddly enough, as you described these films, I was reminded of Shark Tale. That movie started out interestingly enough, with a flawed protagonist who seemed destined for a huge wake-up call, but the resolution (or lack thereof) just failed miserably. Great analysis! I love Parasite, and now I want to check out Sunset Boulevard.

[@SprightlyValentino]

Sunset Blvd is my favorite movie, and I watched Parasite for the first time a few weeks ago and was quite impressed by it, so it was cool seeing the two movies compared.

[@1FrostySlime]

Wow this video was amazing, the comparisons between the two would be so hidden when watching them soeratly but after watching this video they become so clear, Also the parasite soundtrack in the background is one of my favorite soundtracks ever and it made the video that much better.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you!

[@miguels478]

Thank for covering an older film. Please do more older stuff, as I really enjoy your videos.

[@haejinJ]

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows everywhere...

[@natipbme]

you inspired me to join film school and study to be a cinematographer, thank u so much u are great.

[@insearchofahillworthdyingon]

Awesome video. The Great Gatsby follows this same arc too. Gatsby and Nick both start the story believing lies about money, affluence, and the possibility to transition between classes, only for those beliefs to be shattered by the end. Gatsby dies still waiting on his phone call and Nick survives as the disillusioned and damaged witness to it all. It's fascinating how stories that appear so diverse on the surface are so similar structurally.

[@GiantBrother]

I’d never thought anyone would make a comparison between Parasite and Sunset Boulevard. Good video, Michael! Anyway, do you think foreshadowings in screenplay would make a good video?

[@Alexander1005]

“Pause, rewind, and discuss” could be the name of your new series.

[@alejandrovillegas177]

And the day suddenly became interesting... Thank you Michael. Grettings from Bolivia.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Glad I could help! :)

[@sar1043]

Michael, you and your team are amazing! You guys put so much effort into your videos and the ideas you come up with are mind-blowing. Parasite and Sunset Boulevard are two of my favorite movies but I would have never thought to compare the two. You guys deserve more recognition. Keep up the incredible work!

[@filmfanaticryan156]

This is my favorite video essay you have done. And I've been following for a while.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you!!

[@cirquedude123]

This was so brilliant!!! My favorite video of yours yet!!! Thank you so much!!?

[@jamesgarrett8833]

Many future academy awards winner writers will have you to thank on winning their Oscar. You are such a good teacher 👍

[@Mari-zb1ge]

I’ve been waiting for a new video for so long and I’m so glad it’s finally here

[@manthony225]

Great essay! I love that you compared these movies. They both had a profound impact on me. A couple of people who've I've discussed Parasite with thought the son actually bought the Park's house at the end. They still want to believe the lie.

[@Champthedrinker]

Absolutely one of my favorite channels. The time, effort and thought always shows.

[@mcwarhol17]

What a beautiful video, thanks for sharing 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@doublejay29]

This is a spectacular presentation. Thanks for making it.

[@fkillough]

Excellent, really insightful. I've honestly learned so much from this channel.

[@justalittleguy733]

another incredible video!! i'm obsessed with your video essays!

[@spanglishlady3769]

Makes me so happy every time there is a new LFTS video :) Great as always!

[@NakedSnake541]

I love how you keep making great videos. I am always waiting for the next one!

[@foodngems]

You unpack a lot of information really well. I love your videos so much! Thanks for putting so much work into every video :-)

[@tomjones2348]

Exceptionally well done!

[@ricardosamayoacastro3344]

Uno de los mejores videos que he visto en KZbin. Buen trabajo!

[@joeytorres6889]

My favorite LFTS yet. Been binging the podcast lately. Thank you guys for all that you do!❤️

[@reynar22]

Omg I loved this video, I never would have linked these two together but it makes sooo much sense, amazing

[@chaeyoungvideos5742]

this was amazing! thank you for this video!

[@Nro52]

Love the way you find this connections between movies that, at first sight, one would never link together. Great analysis, as usual! Thank you for your awesome work!

[@arob61897]

This video came at a perfect time! I just got back into writing and just so happened to have started learning of disillusionment arcs!

[@Zeliwashere]

this is just f*king awesome, I want to subscribe to the channel and then unsubscribe just to be able to subscribe again. I'm literally smashing that damn button, LOVED THIS, can't say it enough.

[@tashimango]

this was such an excellent analysis, so creative and compelling. great job, I really enjoyed this piece. thank you for showing me how to appreciate these movies on yet another level!

[@rebeccagibbs4128]

Gosh I love your videos! I always learn so much:)

[@SirShurikenFlinger]

thank you for making these videos. they're incredibly comprehensive and educational

[@manners316]

Two incredible films. Fascinating parallels drawn between them. LFTS please come back!

[@dialecticamundi]

You just outdid yourself. First Parasite video was incredible. This was just perfect. Thank you.

[@paulatroncoso6117]

This is probably one of the best videos that you have ever done! Congrats!

[@ThatXavier]

This is a very unique view that I didn't realize before. How similar both Sunset Boulevard and Parasite are. Also, I never saw an arc for the father in Parasite until now. Keep up the great work!

[@eugeniasanchezdiaz2577]

Amazing video! I loved it.

[@tofuny8440]

I thought ki woo doubted the lie in the last act when he asked the daughter "do I belong here?", since it was Jessica that was the best at assimilating into the rich family.

[@KutWrite]

Wonderful analysis, comparison and produced with great skill. Thanks! I needed this!

[@blameitoncapitalism]

what an incredible video. these are two of my favorite movies ever. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@killthecatpodcast6300]

This was such a fascinating comparison! I really love your comparison videos; two movies used to bring out the finer points in each other. This also made me revisit Sunset Blvd which I haven't seen in years and good god that's a good movie.

[@sweeteverythings7115]

What a great essay! Deep, engaging and thought-inspiring. Thank you for your hard work!

[@robertorojnic4370]

Phenomenal video presentation. Great work! Thanks.

[@lilianahedley4939]

WOW WOW WOW I"M BLOWN AWAY BY THIS VID!!!!

[@valeriavelarde9056]

amo demasiado tu contenido, mil gracias

[@mahimametal]

That was amazing. Thank you!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Excellent analysis and commentary. Again, I always learn something new from your videos. Thanks.

[@julian1127]

Great video, you could see the amount of talent and hard work that goes into it.

[@denji5426]

your videos are so excellent and fun to watch. thank you so much for all your hard work!

[@chrisgill261]

Michael uploads new video, automatic thumbs up!

[@loqseax1]

what an awesome analysis!

[@jordel2010]

Great analysis and comparison of both films.

[@BenBenCaro]

This was the most precise and clear analysis of Parasite's structure that I've seen. Well done!

[@jasongeorgis3483]

I love both of these movies, but never realized the similar arcs the characters take. Thanks to LFTS for opening my eyes yet again!

[@losalfajoresok]

I can't watch a movie now thinking about what LFTS is going to say about certain scenes. Love your channel Mike!

[@bellatordei4689]

Thank you for your efforts.. We really appreciate it.

[@ramanujdas5803]

Thanks for such a fantastic correlation you've explained

[@xingcat]

Fantastic comparison! I never would have thought of it, and the second I saw the title, I thought, "OF COURSE!" Terrific.

[@clintkeepin]

Brilliant. Thank you!

[@kooma7190]

Brilliant analysis. Thank you!

[@SamiFilms]

Great video, exquisitely done

[@PhilSvitekYT]

Really fantastic job of deconstructing both films. I learned a lot, especially the power of the mid point decision

[@neyacrosa]

This is amazing! Great analysis!

[@isiomaoramah1615]

this is fantastic

[@andylee0427]

This is amazing comparing two outwardly dismilar classics to unearth connection that is profound! The best video yet!

[@Nikita_Brus]

This is great! Thank you

[@arjunbharadwaj73]

This video essay opened my mind. Thank you so much

[@iagoalcantara315]

Amazing vid, great stuff

[@susanmurphy958]

Excellent! Thanks Michael.

[@rhett-says-hullo4229]

this was such a good analyses man

[@mankriter]

Great video, keep up the good work

[@akseagel]

amazing, you and your videos are amazing

[@julio95]

So great!

[@whatisrealknowtheformula6137]

Another interesting analysis clearly and cleanly produced. Thanks.

[@0630888]

Awesome analyses.

[@anniecoxdraws]

Yesss, more Parasite!! Your channel is a big inspiration, I'm trying to get more serious about video essays.

[@nicolea7532]

This video is amazing and insightful

[@4abhik1]

excellent analysis