Category: textual analysis

(Slide 7)

“How does Del Toro show generic conventions and show unconventional themes in Pan’s Labyrinth story?”

Pan’s Labyrinth follows a lot of conventional themes from the fantasy genre. For example it follows the typical plot like good vs evil, and pursues a certain questline. We can see this play out in Pan’s Labyrinth as Ofelia is set three tasks she must fulfill. The characters also follow a lot of conventional characterisation, including the presence of mythical creatures contrasting with real people. Another example of this is Ofelia being kind and caring, and Vidale being cold and ruthless so we see this contrast between good and evil play out. Also the world reflects this generic convention because at the end of the movie after Ofelia’s death, she is then brought to a new fantasy like world so we see reality and fantasy as two opposing realms which is very much in keeping with this genre. Pan’s Labyrinth also shows some unconventional themes.   In most fantasy like films the protagonist always beats the antagonist. This however is not the case in Pan’s Labyrinth. Because both the antagonist and protagonist die at the end of the film which is a change from the conventional genre.

In Pan’s Labyrinth, we see two contrasting storylines relating to two parallel worlds throughout the movie. One storyline it is set in a fantasy-like world. It sarts off with Ofelia meeting the mystical creature Faun. She is then given  three tasks to complete, while meeting mystical dangerous creatures along her journey. The other storyline it is set in the real world,  in a war, showing constant conflict with the rebels and the army. It is in this side of the storyline when we begin to see how ruthless Ofelia’s step dad is, as he will do anything to have power over people.  This is a direct reference to the Spanish Civil War which the movie reflects.

We see how some characters are portrayed as strongwilled and caring toward one another. This shows how whilst war is brutal it can bring out incredible examples of kindness and humanity. Ofelia was asked by the Faun to sacrifice her brother. She was then willing to sacrifice herself instead, and for her brother to have a long fulfilling life. We also see how the doctor and Mercedes were willing to risk their lives to help the guerrila.  They were secretly taking supplies without the captain knowing and attending to the soldiers wounds and taking care of them.

We also see how forshadowing is used as a technique during the start of the movie, when we see Ofelia covered in blood. This forshadows her death later in the movie which builds suspense throughout the film as we know already what is going to happen to her and so watch with a sense of foreboding.

Overall, we see how certain characters are sympethetic to one another. And how they are willing to help eachother in need during times of war. We also see how decisive certain characters are on what they think is the right thing to do.

My favourite movie is Jaws. This is because it uses many techniques to build suspense and it keeps you on the edge of your seat right until the end. In addition to amazing special effects (which were ground-breaking at the time it was made in 1975) it has an amazing soundtrack, which creates a lot of tension throughout the whole movie.  The “dah da, dah da” music has to be one of the most distinctive of any movie ever.  It also has great pacing throughout the movie where no moment feels rushed or slow and will keep you entertained from start to finish. This movie will forever terrify you and may put you off from entering the sea, and maybe even going to the toilet! It also has one of the greatest quotes in movie history when Roy Schieder (Chief Brody) says “we’re gonna need a bigger boat” when he see for the first time how big the shark really is.

In addition to the suspense, I found that I related to the characters and in particular the difficult position which Chief Brody was in when having to decide to close the beach even though the mayor wanted to keep the beach open.  He had to make unpopular decisions but stood by what he knew was right. He is a man of principle but also a father trying to protect his family.