Each of us in class were assigned a different review to look at in terms of context in class and to pick apart key quotes from the review.

Context can help the audience understand the film in different ways:

• Historical – Historical context gives the audience a sense of where they are in time and space. Pan’s Labyrinth is set in the Spanish Civil War for example which explains the costumes and sets in the real world of Pan’s.
• Cultural and Artistic – These two types on context helps the audience understand any cultural references and shows why the director may of used something in a certain way (drawing on his or her culture they grew up in). In Pan’s Labyrinth the design on the mythical creatures (Faun, Pale Man, Fairies) would have all been influenced by how the director sees these creatures and what fairy tale stories he grew up on.
• Critical Reception – This gives context to the audience by giving them a a quick look into what the film will be like an how it was received. For example someone might want to watch Pan’s Labyrinth already but they don’t know if they will enjoy it so they look at some of the reviews to give context to see if they like the type of narrative and themes.