pans labyrinth context

Pans Labyrinth context:

Films are depictions of people, places and events and therefore reflect the values and culture of the society that produces them.

the fantasy element:

-the fantasy elements of Pan’s Labyrinth can be interpreted in multiple ways:

-One interpretation is that Ofelia imagines the faun and other fantasy elements as a way of coping with the horrors of war and the oppression of fascism. Whether these elements are real or part of Ofelia’s imagination is intentionally left ambiguous.

-However, the impact of fascism is still evident in the fantasy elements.The toad that is destroying the tree is a clear allegory for how the Franco regime was sucking the life out of Spain.

Del Toro:

-was brought up in a strict catholic home.

-described as an auteur director.

-Catholicism and religious imagery are a constant factor in his films. 

-links fascism with religion, as they both force unquestioned obedience.  

social context:

-this refers to society's dominant attitudes and beliefs including debates about ethnicity and gender.

cultural context:

-refers to the fashions that were significant at the time of the films production and could include a studio style or an art movement.

political context:

-the impact of the contemporary political climate on the themes of the film, their representations and the production process. 

institutional contexts:

-who made the film and what framework were they working within? 

- what funding was available and what restrictions were placed on the filmmakers?