Analysis Of Pan's Labyrinth

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) written and directed by Guillermo del Toro is a dark fantasy film that uses fantasy and inspired true events of the after effects of the Spanish Civil War to create a symbolic parable that was influenced by fairy tales and myths. Even though this film is explicitly about the times during Franco it is also a film that can speak for any time period, past, present, and future. Through the use of phantasmagorical elements in the fantasy sequences del Toro uses doubling to reinforce the horrific events that have and can happen again in reality. The film takes place five years after the Spanish Civil War during Francisco Franco’s reign of terror. The story focuses on Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) as well as Ofelia’s evil stepfather, Captain Vidal (Sergi Lopez). Both characters represent something bigger than they actually are; Ofelia is seen to represent Spain and the antifascists whereas Captain Vidal represents Franco and fascism. Ofelia has to complete three daunting tasks given to her by the Faun (Doug Jones) that is said to reunite her with her family, the King and Queen of the Underworld. Del Toro uses doubling of the mythical realm with the ‘real world’ throughout the film that emphasizes the underlying meaning of the film. The film also follows the story of the anti-fascists rebels that are hidden amongst the trees and mountains. The character Mercedes (Maribel Verdu) is able to fool Captain Vidal for most of the film and help the rebels. It is not until the near end of the film where Captain Vidal realizes that Mercedes has been helping the rebels the entire time and it is due partly because of his misogyny that he is unable to see her as a threat to his cause.

The film starts in the year 1944, exactly five year...

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...t, present, and future. He uses a doubling narrative throughout his films to express his opinion of the Spanish Civil War and the rule under Franco that Spain suffered for many years. The best part about this film is the ability to relate this to many traumatic events and horrible rulers under the fascists. Del Toro uses symbolizes to not only represent what is going on in the film but what is happening outside of the film in reality. He successfully expresses his message across to the screens through beautiful and dark visuals in the mythical realm that bring a new perspective than it would if he had not chosen to bring in the mythical elements. Vidal is the ultimate symbol for fascism and their obsession over control, order, and death. Ofelia is the ultimate symbol for the people of Spain and the rebels who did not compromise what is right under the fascist rule.