2008 Woodie Awards
IFS: The Devils Backbone shows boys quest to find ghost
Gabriel Guerrero
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
A young boy is hiding in a linen closet, the pounding on the door has ceased and he peeks through the keyhole, only to find his stare returned by an eye of solid black.
In the film "The Devil's Backbone," Guillermo Del Toro, who was the creative mind behind 2006's "Pan's Labyrinth," questions the members of the audience on the nature of ghosts.
Toro, who directed and co-wrote the film, sets his story in the middle of the Spanish Civil War.
The tale Toro tells details the story of a young orphan by the name of Carlos and his fellow orphans as they attempt to unravel the mystery behind a ghost who inhabits the orphanage they call home.
Toro explicates his formidable prowess in his ability to write from a child's perspective in a bedtime story for adults.
The dialogue and relationships shared between the young characters are believable and compelling.
Though at times the simplicity of the script makes the story easy to decipher, the writing is solid enough to keep audience members entertained.
The acting of the entire cast is very solid and every actor/actress executed their role with delicate sensibility. One of the most memorable characters include the orphanage's headmistress, burdened by her prosthetic leg, who is a rebel conspirator attempting to balance the continuation of the rebellion's cause and caring for an orphanage of children.
The script gives insight into what it is like to grow up as theworld around you erupts in chaos and war.
The cinematography is unique and draws viewers' eyes to the director's desired location with precision and expertise.
Though this film is not of the same caliber as "Pan's Labyrinth," it is clear Toro iswell on his way to mastering his craft.
Toro illustrates why he is one of Mexico's most esteemed filmmakers as the story unfolds and the truth of the ghost's presence is revealed.
In conclusion, though this film is slightly predictable at times, it will more than likely make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end at least three to four times.
My rationale behind this claim is that the only thing creepier than the prospect of siring progeny is being confronted by the undead progeny of someone else. As if children weren't scary enough on their own.
Seeing this film is not a matter of life and death, but it's worth seeing.
- Gabriel Guererro is a senior English major and The Mirror's IFS columnist.
In the film "The Devil's Backbone," Guillermo Del Toro, who was the creative mind behind 2006's "Pan's Labyrinth," questions the members of the audience on the nature of ghosts.
Toro, who directed and co-wrote the film, sets his story in the middle of the Spanish Civil War.
The tale Toro tells details the story of a young orphan by the name of Carlos and his fellow orphans as they attempt to unravel the mystery behind a ghost who inhabits the orphanage they call home.
Toro explicates his formidable prowess in his ability to write from a child's perspective in a bedtime story for adults.
The dialogue and relationships shared between the young characters are believable and compelling.
Though at times the simplicity of the script makes the story easy to decipher, the writing is solid enough to keep audience members entertained.
The acting of the entire cast is very solid and every actor/actress executed their role with delicate sensibility. One of the most memorable characters include the orphanage's headmistress, burdened by her prosthetic leg, who is a rebel conspirator attempting to balance the continuation of the rebellion's cause and caring for an orphanage of children.
The script gives insight into what it is like to grow up as theworld around you erupts in chaos and war.
The cinematography is unique and draws viewers' eyes to the director's desired location with precision and expertise.
Though this film is not of the same caliber as "Pan's Labyrinth," it is clear Toro iswell on his way to mastering his craft.
Toro illustrates why he is one of Mexico's most esteemed filmmakers as the story unfolds and the truth of the ghost's presence is revealed.
In conclusion, though this film is slightly predictable at times, it will more than likely make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end at least three to four times.
My rationale behind this claim is that the only thing creepier than the prospect of siring progeny is being confronted by the undead progeny of someone else. As if children weren't scary enough on their own.
Seeing this film is not a matter of life and death, but it's worth seeing.
- Gabriel Guererro is a senior English major and The Mirror's IFS columnist.
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