El laberinto del fauno

Exclusive Interview with Oscar-Winning Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro about ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

With “Pan’s Labyrinth” having reached its 20th anniversary, many of its participants have come together to discuss what went into its making, and of how this particular Guillermo Del Toro masterpiece still holds up to this very day. Among those participants is the film’s director of photography, Guillermo Navarro, who ended up winning the Oscar for Best Cinematography for his wok here. He also served as director of photography on Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown,” Robert Rodriguez’s “Desperado,” “From Dusk till Dawn” and “Spy Kids,” and also Renny Harlin’s “The Long Kiss Goodnight.”

I was lucky enough to speak with Guillermo Navarro while he was doing press for “Pan’s Labyrinth,” and it was an illuminating conversation about what went on behind the scenes and of how much has changed since this film was released. He shot it on 35mm film and discussed how he manipulated the image by shooting day for night and underexposing the negatives. It was a great look at how filmmakers can manipulate the image on 35mm film and other film stocks, but Navarro also laments how the movie business rarely uses film anymore and prefers to have everything shot on digital. For him, it has taken a lot of the fun out of his job.

Navarro also talks about how difficult it was to make this film as they had very little money to work with, and that they worked with a largely unfamiliar Spanish crew as their usual crew of creatives were working on another project.

“Pan’s Labyrinth” has just been released in a beautiful new 4K restoration, and it is best experienced on the silver screen. I want to thank Guillermo Navarro for taking the time to talk with me. Please check out the interview below.

In addition, I have also included this video of Guillermo Navarro winning the Best Cinematography Oscar at the 79th Academy Awards.

Exclusive Interview with Ivana Baquero and Doug Jones about ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

On this week’s edition of OMG, has it been that long since this movie came out? Guillermo Del Toro’s “Pan’s Labyrinth” has now reached its 20th anniversary. While many motion pictures age like milk, which is to say not at all, this one has aged like a fine wine and remains as powerful and as visionary as ever. This is even more so with the film now being re-released in theatres in a stunning 4K restoration, and the filmmakers have also worked to present it in 3D as well. Seriously, this a motion picture one can never get sick of.

I had the honor and the privilege of talking to two of the stars of “Pan’s Labyrinth.” I talked with Ivana Baquero who plays Ofelia, a child whose journey into a fantastical underworld serves as an escape from the harsh reality she and her mother have been thrust into. In addition, I also talked with Doug Jones who portrays both the Faun and the Pale Man. Jones has played very unique characters in various Del Toro films, and this includes “Hellboy” and “The Shape of Water.”

Baquero was only 10 years old when she was cast as Ofelia in “Pan’s Labyrinth,” and she left everyone in tears at her audition. We talked about that as well as what she did to prepare for playing such a large role for a child actor. With Jones, we discussed which character in this film was the harder for him to play, and if he is still willing to portray strange monsters in future projects or if he would instead play those in human form.

“Pan’s Labyrinth” is being re-released in theatres on October 9, and I encourage to see it on the silver screen instead of just at home. Please check out the interview below.