Independent Film Guide
Navigating the 'Labyrinth':
Q&A With Guillermo del Toro
Pan's Labyrinth
Directed by Guillermo del Toro
Theatrical Release Date December 29, 2006
Released by Picturehouse
Run time 112 min.
Genre Fantasy, Drama, Mystery, War
Rating R
Theatrical Release Date December 29, 2006
Released by Picturehouse
Run time 112 min.
Genre Fantasy, Drama, Mystery, War
Rating R
Moviefone: So how are you enjoying your newfound celebrity? What does that feel like for you?
Guillermo del Toro: I don't know! I'm still kind of getting used to the fact that ... you always make movies and you expect them to be received a certain way, and [then] they are received in a different way. And this one is just so blessed in the short lifespan that it has had so far. It's already given me more satisfaction than most of them.
MF: Ivana Baquero is incredible in the movie. What were you looking for when you were casting the part of Ofelia?
GDT: I was looking for an impossibility, because I was looking for an actress who was that good at 11 years old. Fortunately enough, I found her. I knew I wanted dark hair, I knew I wanted a beautiful gaze, and her eyes were very important. But I was not otherwise predisposed. And originally the part was written for an eight- or nine-year-old. So when she walked in I thought, she's too old. She was so good in the audition that I rewrote the screenplay for her.
MF: What's it like directing a child actor as opposed to an adult?
GDT: I think it's easier. I think it's better. It requires a more fluid language with the kid, but it's ultimately more rewarding because they don't have preconceived notions of self-importance, pre-conceived notions of being out on a limb. A kid is always out on a limb. They'll play, and playing is acting.
MF: I don't know if it's a stretch for her to get nominated for an Academy Award, but I know there's a lot of buzz about you. How does that make you feel? Where are you going to be when they announce the Oscar nominations?
GDT: I'll be crapping in my pants! But I don't know where. I hope it happens, but I'm working for the movie to be seen a lot, and if that brings that, great -- I'll be the happiest man. Because there is, frankly, no greater honor in our field. But I think that even if it did not happen, doing the work for the movie to be exposed to a larger audience is already worth it.
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Guillermo del Toro: I don't know! I'm still kind of getting used to the fact that ... you always make movies and you expect them to be received a certain way, and [then] they are received in a different way. And this one is just so blessed in the short lifespan that it has had so far. It's already given me more satisfaction than most of them.
MF: Ivana Baquero is incredible in the movie. What were you looking for when you were casting the part of Ofelia?GDT: I was looking for an impossibility, because I was looking for an actress who was that good at 11 years old. Fortunately enough, I found her. I knew I wanted dark hair, I knew I wanted a beautiful gaze, and her eyes were very important. But I was not otherwise predisposed. And originally the part was written for an eight- or nine-year-old. So when she walked in I thought, she's too old. She was so good in the audition that I rewrote the screenplay for her.
MF: What's it like directing a child actor as opposed to an adult?
GDT: I think it's easier. I think it's better. It requires a more fluid language with the kid, but it's ultimately more rewarding because they don't have preconceived notions of self-importance, pre-conceived notions of being out on a limb. A kid is always out on a limb. They'll play, and playing is acting.
MF: I don't know if it's a stretch for her to get nominated for an Academy Award, but I know there's a lot of buzz about you. How does that make you feel? Where are you going to be when they announce the Oscar nominations?
GDT: I'll be crapping in my pants! But I don't know where. I hope it happens, but I'm working for the movie to be seen a lot, and if that brings that, great -- I'll be the happiest man. Because there is, frankly, no greater honor in our field. But I think that even if it did not happen, doing the work for the movie to be exposed to a larger audience is already worth it.
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