Guillermo del Toro's 'Pan's Labyrinth' premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 20 years ago, concluding with a record-breaking 23-minute standing ovation that transformed the festival.
The Unexpected Triumph
Upon arriving at Cannes with 'Pan’s Labyrinth', del Toro anticipated being overlooked. The film, a dark fantasy set against Francoist Spain, barely completed post-production in time for its festival screening. Del Toro recounted to The Hollywood Reporter how the screening was unexpectedly packed, leading to the longest and most emotional applause he's ever experienced. “Twenty-three minutes is a commute,” he humorously noted during a recent screening of the restored film in Cannes.
The Challenges Behind the Scenes
Del Toro described the making of 'Pan's Labyrinth' as his second-worst filmmaking experience, after 'Mimic' with the Weinsteins. Financing was difficult, and the production faced numerous challenges. The film, set in 1944 post-Civil War Spain, intertwines a young girl's fantastical quests with the real-world Republican underground resistance, showcasing del Toro's theme of imagination as resistance.
Impact and Legacy
The Cannes premiere paved the way for the film's success at festivals in New York and Toronto, followed by six Academy Award nominations and three wins. 'Pan's Labyrinth' grossed $83 million worldwide on a budget under $20 million. Del Toro, reflecting on the film for its 20th anniversary, praised its craftsmanship, noting every set was meticulously built to contrast the imaginary world with the real one.
Restoration and Future Releases
The new restoration will be released in the US by Cineverse and Fathom Entertainment, while StudioCanal handles international distribution. A 3D version, releasing on October 9th—del Toro's birthday—has been in progress, with SDFX Studios managing the conversion. Del Toro believes the film's appeal to new generations lies in its youthful strength, connecting with audiences who feel misunderstood.
Del Toro advocates for restored films in cinemas, believing they offer a blend of reissues and new movies. He emphasized the importance of imagination and creativity, urging audiences to resist fear and embrace love.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/the-night-pans-labyrinth-changed-cannes-forever-1236597680/
