Pan's Labyrinth (2 Points)

    Pan’s Labyrinth is Guillermo Del Toro’s masterpiece. Even though he made films after, it feels like the culmination of all his growth as an artist and thematic intentions up to that point. It’s a perfect modern fairy tale, integrating classic tropes with modern ideas. This mix of old and new is perfectly showcased by the standout creature of the film: The Pale Man.

             God what a great creature design. Aside from just being creepy, it communicates so much in its design. The Pale Man is supposed to be a gluttonous creature that represents the evils of the men in charge. The fact that his eyes are on his hands shows how materialistic these men are; they only see what’s right in front of them, not caring about the abstract, unless that abstract is power. He has bony and almost useless legs because he’s not used to having to move so much. He usually just gets to eat the child right then and there at the table. Similar to The City of Lost Children, the fact he lures in children with a huge banquet and then eats them mirrors how capitalist systems tempt children with promises of wealth and success only to use them as part of the system.  And, of course, the fact that he’s the Pale Man gives it all away.  

 

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