Author: Blake-G-Souza

Pans Labyrinth can be viewed as a major success in terms of the amount it cost to earned ratio. I believe the driving factor to its success was one its originality but even more importantly its inclusivity. The ability to reach other audiences with choosing Spanish allowed for Pans Labyrinth to have high international numbers at the box office. While the budget was small the film was supported by amazing performances by Ivana Baquero in her leading role of Ophelia. We are also drawn to the relationship that develops between Ophelia and Mercedes (Maribel Verdú). Pans presents us with literally two separate worlds both very representative of the reality it is intended to portray. Ophelias real world dirty, cold and unforgiving. Even the comforts of her mother’s warming personality fading as the movie carries on. Pale or dark colors in film reflect what it is like for a child growing up in this time. Largely forgotten an after thought of joy.

The next world. A world of wonder and questions. While not every question is met with an answer we enjoy the opportunity for exploration and the ever present reminder the pure at heart are those who deserve to be virtuous in life. Films also have meaning in which are to make different impacts on what is trying to be presented Pan presents us with a story of good vs evil while giving us a unique ending as compared to some other films.  Pans Labyrinth holds information from us the viewer that surprises us later on. When first presenting tasks the Fauno does not tell us all of the details that are needed to unlock the kingdoms portal. When we are finally let in on the last task we are surprised at the task and taken back as we now see the Fauno in a new light possibly not as trusting as once thought. This trust is build up by the Frauno  not presenting us with the 3 tasks as soon as we were told of the task at hand.

Guillermo Navarro not to be confused with del Toros presents us with a hauntingly beautiful cinematography experience as we are introduced to a world that is both mystical while not fully comfortable to the eye almost a warning to not fully embrace the landscapes scenery.. The performance by Doug Jones as Fauno is what is the true trick as we are so captivated by his movements it adds to the overall distrust and question of the true intentions. Every actor bringing their own element to this movie truly made it the symphony that it is.  With my focus on music I have learned is music is able to escalate or deteriorate a movie. Even in Pans Labyrinth less is more where our film only has but one song which is a lullaby revisited throughout the film. This somber hum really sets the tone and let’s us know right away we will need to be comforted. The way in which monsters are lurking in the distance also offered a chilling experience

When viewing Crimson Peak you are transported back into the world of the early 1900 the costumes all worn by the men and women both gothic by color, Victorian in style sporting beautifully made hats and dresses. Sound effects plays an important part delivering on the eerie creaking of old wooden floors. Production team presenting us with a time period so far from our present day while making the props still look new for the time frame is a uniqueness not lost on the viewer. The Lighting for the scene in which the waltz takes place is where we first are presented with the feelings of romance. The films monsters while being a new form of evil or spirits brought to us by the director Guillermo del Toro the movements of the spirits drew a very strong performance connection to the ways the Faun in Pans Labyrinth jerks in motions. Another connection was the ways in which the spirits hands move quite wistfully like the frighteningly disgusting  Pale Man.  Probably due to Doug Jones who is know for his unique portrayal of beast or scary other worldly beings in del Toros Films. I feel the world del Toro creates to fill the scenery is visually appealing and makes me enjoy his films more. From the Moths , butterflies and ants to Pan’s fairies.

The Movie Crimson Peak boasts a much more robust budget as compared to Del Toros 2006 film Pans Labyrinth (55 million as compared to 19 million). Also in comparison Crimson Peak boast a number of popular star from other notable films for the time period. Leading man Tom Hiddleston know for reprising the role as Loki in Disney’s Marvel Films and Leading woman Mia Wasikowska know for her own Disney role as Alice in Alice and Wonderland. These two are hardly the only stars Crimson Peak offers us which brings the discussion how and why Crimson Peak was not as successful in terms of the way in which the film was received as well as the way it failed to match past success like Pans Labyrinth.

One quote that resonates with me is from Entertainment columnist Chris Nashawaty,” as sumptuous as Crimson Peak looks and as sinister as Hiddleston and Chastain are, you never get transported to the bone-chilling places that a great ghost story should take you.” As you are watching this film you become enamored but the scenery and yet the film does tend to drag and fails to provide the shock fear that comes with most ghost movies. The way in which the ghost are seen moving throughout the hallways is a technique that I have enjoyed from more recently produced ghost projects, The show that comes to mind when describing ghost floating throughout a hall would be A Haunting of Bly Manor. What I did enjoy was the way the film was so much more than just a horror ghost movie the was emotion a unique storyline. What I would mention as the films major downfall would be its lack of actual fear. I was never left with a memory that will be imbedded in my brain out of fright ultimately leading me to judge the film while possibly harshly as forgettable.

Garden State demonstrates a variety of editing styles. Eyeline match cuts can be seen in the beginning of the film at the funeral where Andrew Largeman (Braff) is shown staring off in his father’s direction, ultimately landing on the grave digger and a familiar face. The next seen cuts to Largeman walking up to talk to the grave digger and newly pointed out childhood friend Mark.  

The film garden state uses continuity editing and at certain important time the editing mistakes are highlighted at its most pivotal point of the film. A large emphasis on the movie is Largeman finding a way to breakthrough through his emotion wall built from his dependence on prescription medication and trying to distance himself as far as possible from his biological mother and father. An unfortunate editing mishap occurs when Largeman finally is able to cry. The opening seen makes a point to show even from the death of his mother an inability to feel real emotions and cry. While Braff may assume the viewers are caught in the moment it is hard not to see the jumping done from Natalie Portman’s character. Originally leaning and then kneeling near largeman in the bathtub.  

Garden State music is composed of a soundtrack which for its time had many up-and-coming artists and some newly gaining popularity. A generous portion of why garden state has such a strong following can be contributed to its song choice that not only has a great soundtrack but incorporates the music well into the film. 

There are times where the music is diegetic like where Sam gives Andrew her headphones and we are introduced to the shins and song which is found on its soundtrack. Then there is non-diegetic music which can be heard when Andrew is taking what we can assume to be a form of ecstasy. This music starts after Andrew is zoning out making one assume the music is not being played at the party as it does not match the actions of the other individuals at the party.  

Garden State moves through very distinctive sequencing. The movie starts with the coming home experience Andrew Largeman Experiences with the death of his mother. His mother’s death is what moves our character from Los Angeles back to New Jersey. This first sequence is vital to show why we are back home to begin with. The following sequence can be summed up by trying to move on. Largeman is now trying to experience life as well as possibly mourn the death of his mother. This sequence includes hanging with friends and starting his relationship with Sam.

The film broken in parts it would be, funeral, attempting relationships, romantic relationships, life choices. The beginning of the film is experiencing the funeral through very low emotions, the attempting relationships shows Largeman trying to be a human a step out of his box of working non stop to pay for LA’s expensive small living spaces. After Largeman experiences a new kind of relationship with Sam which is able to bring out new emotions as well as allowing him to be more open and talk. Life choices represent decisions, this included falling back into life’s pattern or breaking from it and trying something new.

Garden State represents an argument between Andrew and his Father Mr. Largeman. The two seem at odds at the way in which they believe Andrew should be carrying out his life. They both obviously hold resentment for which his mother ended up in a wheelchair and quite possibly the reason for her death. I would consider to be a Poem in which tells a somber story about the need to experience life. The colors of the film are very dull or almost dingy. One element to Garden State is the pale green that often companions the shots. The soundtrack is what most people think about when experiencing the movie. This can be represented with the way the music is layered throughout the film.

The couple living in the quarry in a house boat at the end of a large home represents an avant-garde . The couple is living much differently than most couples, and while they seem to have little, together have more than most who experience life with an itemized or monetary approach to living and success.

The film presents time in which it is expected to be moving quickly and understood. We don’t see sleeping other than when the film first starts and one point when Largeman wakes up from being passed out at a party. However we are suppose to believe Braff’s character falls in love with Natalie Portman’s “Sam” within the time he is home. With very little representing the passage of time one could find their connection at the end of the movie hard to explain from the short period of time actually together.