Pan’s Labyrinth

Let me begin by saying this is not ‘the Citizen Kane of fantasy film’ (as Kermode has proclaimed), it is not ‘a film that will change your life’ - it is very, very good - but it ain’t gonna change the medium. That said, it is a superb genre film and a candidate for film of the year.

 

Del Toro explores similar territory to The Devils Backbone (which I haven’t seen, but it looks good) and examines the Spanish Civil War through the eyes of a dreamer - a child who evidently finds comfort in her imagination from the terrible realities of a world in the midst of suffering, violence, personal upheaval and death. I love films like this, where you are whisked away to ’somewhere’ else, unquestioningly, and become fully absorbed in the unfolding tale. This is a contemporary fairy tale that isn’t cynical, self referential, and is not marred with any knowing smirks to the audience. And rightly so.

I thought some of the visual cues were culled from Cocteau, and if you’re going to steal (sorry, I mean homage) then steal from the best. The movements between the real and fantasy worlds are effortlessly portrayed, and Del Torro revels in his creature and character designs - some quite unique and unsettling beasts are on show here. It’s one of those pictures you have to see at the cinema - and the ending is superbly executed.

On a tangent, I finally tracked down the exquisite ‘Belle et la Bete‘ earlier this year and it exceeded all my expectations - it is stunning. You’ll all be glad to hear I am preparing a ‘Films Of The Year’ post - split between new releases and things I’ve caught on DVD - Belle is on the second list. Jonathan Ross? Pah - stick with the Mint.

~ by mintyblonde on December 12, 2006.