So what's my problem? (I have many, let's not go there, let's just stick with the issue at hand!) A movie called Pan's Labyrinth, which has been nominated for 6 Oscar's and is basically a fantasy film for adults, not unlike Alice In Wonderland, Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia or even Harry Potter is my problem. Well if you know anything about me, I love films of this genre from the stories to the animation and special effects. I go to all of them with decent reviews. This movie has gotten stellar reviews from over 130 critics and sources and top notch reviews from viewers, which to me, is probably more telling. It's a foreign language film (Spanish), with English subtitles, so if you sought this movie out as it's in limited screening due to it's copious Oscar nominations, you are probably a movie buff and hopefully your reviews are meaningful.
Why is this film a problem for me? As much as I am dying to see it, it contains many dark, disturbing scenes that I don't know if I can handle even if they are not gratuitous and are essential to the reality and subject matter of the story. The trailer of the movie states the prime objective of this dark tale is to show that there can be light in darkness and triumph in sorrow and the reality and fantasy portions of the movie are supposedly artfully woven together with amazing makeup and special effects culminating in a dark, nightmarish ending that makes people think. One blogger, named George, in his "Georges Blog" wrote and sums up what is bothering me about actually viewing the movie:
Do I really need to spend my precious time seeing something this dark, unbearable and disturbing to get at the higher principles? Probably not. Am I facinated by the story, the special effects, makeup and the artful way the movie is supposedly woven together? Yep. I feel compelled to watch it, but feel like at the same time I will be so disturbed and repulsed by some portions of it (aparently the cruel, Facist step father is a sadistic torture/disfigurement monger, not unlike the dude in "Saw", a world Ofelia seeks to escape in the fantastical labyrinth) I don't know if I can get through it, even if I start the movie."What the movie succeeded in doing best was being entirely and pervasively discomforting. Coming out of the theater I mentioned that it reminded me a lot of Breaking the Waves (the most depressing film I've ever seen, and one of the best). The similarity I see is an innocent protaganist going down what is clearly a dangerous and ever dismal path, led by what may be a communication with a higher power, or may just be a delusion (or fantasy). Both movies also succeed at creating an ever-deeper sense of discomfort (Breaking the Waves made Pei [George's wife] physically ill; Pan's Labyrinth is not as powerful in that sense, but 24 hours on it is still lingering in my stomach). To me it's greatest success was in creating a sense of foreboding that grows slowly throughout the film into something almost unbearable."
To that end, I can't, as much as I'd like to, go see it in the theater. I'm a big chicken and if it turns out to be too stomach turning for me, I will be mad at myself for spending $8 on it. I also need to be in the right frame of mind to see this picture, preferably when it's sunny and light out to counteract the film's darkness, so a theater setting doesn't work. I have secured a screening copy of this and will watch this on the small screen where I can easily turn away and wash a few dishes if I must.
I end by saying I did see Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" which was gory and violent (but in a National Geographic sort of way, as it felt like an exhilarating documentary) but the gore was pertinent to the story and the culture of the Incas and Myans and it was one of the best movies I've seen in forever. I felt like I was in the movie and my stomach was sick with nervous tension as I was having a physical reaction to what I was watching in a way I haven't been moved by a film all that often. I'm so glad I accidentally fell upon that movie by getting to the theater an hour earlier than I should have. If I could get through that movie and feel like it was on my "best ever" list, maybe I'll make it through this one too. I'll let you know when I get the guts to pop in the DVD. In the meantime, if you have seen this or plan on seeing it, I welcome your comments!
JJ
I love cats. Used to have tons of them. Currently I feed a beautiful all black ferral stray (don't tell my neighbors, pleeeeze) that hangs around the woods outside my door, but won't come within 50 feet of any human. Due to severe asthma and allergies in the family, kitties are no longer viable in my household and was forced to farm my precious pets out to family and friends. At least I can still see them and know they have good homes [insert boo boo kitty face here], but I still can't resist a fat cat. This cute kitty, Goliath, was stuck in a hole due to it's size, but was promptly rescued. Does he ship FedEx? I need this kitty!
my Live Journal Blog as well as this one! I did the graphics for that blog. I may not be great, but at least I try and I'm learning!
| Your Dominant Intelligence is Interpersonal Intelligence |
 You shine in your ability to realate to and understand others. Good at seeing others' points of view, you get how people think and feel. You have an uncanny ability to sense true feelings, intentions, and motivations. A natural born leader, you are great at teaching and mediating conflict. You would make a good counselor, salesperson, politician, or business person. |
