Pan’s Labyrinth. Introduction to Plot, Characters and The making of the film
Plot
After the Spanish civil war Ofelia, daughter of newly-wed Carmen and her husband Captain Vidal- captain of Franco’s army- seeks comfort in her beloved fables in which she discovers Pan’s labyrinth, a new magical kingdom which will soon reveal her hidden truth.
Main characters
Ofelia:
Ofelia, daughter of Carmen and new stepfather Captain Vidal, moves in to a military HQ based in Spain after the civil war. Ofelia is a curious and bright character struggling with her new life and family. After seeking comfort in her fairy tale books, Ofelia discovers a magical labyrinth, in the abandoned garden mill, guarded by Pan. In attempt to find out her true identity as a princess, Ofelia has to complete three tasks given by the magical creatures of the labyrinth.
Captain Vidal:
Captain Vidal, step father to Ofelia and newly-wed husband of Carmen, lives along with his family in the Spanish military headquarters as captain of Franco’s army. After the Spanish civil war Captain Vidal was ordered to carry out the task of rooting out resistance fighters living in the mountains in order to prevent further rebellions. Along with this task Captain Vidal and his pregnant wife Carmen are expecting a son, their newest addition to the family. Captain Vidal is a harsh and uninterested father to Ofelia however very welcoming to the new arrival of his baby son.
Carmen:
Carmen, mother to Ofelia and newly-wed wife to Captain Vidal, lives at the Spanish military headquarters after the civil war. Carmen is pregnant and expecting a baby son with her new husband, however is anxious and concerned about the difficult relationship between Ofelia and her new stepfather.
Pan:
Pan is a mythological satyre found by Ofelia in the labyrinth hidden in the abandoned mill garden along with other magical creatures. Pan is a ‘playful’ yet an intimidating and mysterious creature with goat’s horns, based upon Greek mythology, similar to Ofelia’s fables. Pan helps Ofelia to find out her true identity as a long-lost princess by giving her three tasks which she must complete.
The Doctor:
The only respected doctor in the town’s community. Doesn’t agree with the civil war or the actions of Captain Vidal’s Franco’s army. Brought in to the military headquarters to help out Carmen.
Mercedes:
Housekeeper for the Spanish military headquarters, employed by Captain Vidal. Overtimes begins to care and feel sympathetic towards Ofelia. Mercedes has knowledge of the Labyrinth in the abandoned mill garden and introduces it to Ofelia.
The making the film:
Pan’s labyrinth was directed by Guillermo del Toro. Guillermo was inspired by gothic horror as the film compares mythical monsters to real life monsters. This was influenced by the fascist and radical regime as well as the oppression of society after the Spanish civil war.
The film took over a year and ten months to create involving preparation, shooting and post production. The film used 34 sets in meticulous detail which included no natural scenery and no visual effects on the characters. Guillermo experimented with the idea of narrative parallels and the real world.
The characters were inspired and created alongside illustrator Arthur Rackham. Rackham used ‘twisted’ and ‘knotting’ everyday objects
Emma Coe Film Studies 