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Summary Pan’s Labyrinth - Representation, Cinematography, Mise en Scene and Editing
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Notes for Pan’s Labyrinth covering Representations, Cinematography, Mise en Scene and Editing
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Pan’s Labyrinth Notes - Representation, Mise en Scene, Cinematography& Editing
Plot Summary:
Set in Spain during the aftermath of the Civil-War, Pan’s Labyrinth follows the story of
10-year-old Ofelia, an imaginative young girl with a love for fairytales and adventure, who is
sent with her mother to live with her stepfather, the ruthless captain of the Spanish Civil
Army, in the offset woodlands outside the village of Navarra. Upon her arrival, Ofelia
becomes transfixed and fascinated with sightings of strange creatures, before being awoken
in the night and led to a faun, who welcomes her as the princess to an eccentric,
unbeknownst kingdom which she must complete a series of tasks in order to be returned to.
However, with her stepfather’s demeaning measures and her mother’s unexpected sickness,
will Ofelia manage to successfully carry out her duties, or will she be spared from the
kingdom that lies ahead of her, and forever banished to the crude, despotic reality that she
so desperately wishes to escape?
Representation in Pan’s Labyrinth:
Ofelia:
● Throughout the film Ofelia is shown to be a fearless, open-minded character, driven
by imagination with a strong desire for adventure and freedom from the harsh reality
in which she is subject to.
● Her character is primarily used to subvert the patriarchal stereotypes of Spanish
society during this time period, by appointing her with rebellious characteristics and
an adamant refusal to obey the rules asserted by her mother and Vidal.
● This portrayal of Ofelia as strong willed and ambitious is intentionally constructed to
allow her to reject the societal principals that most females were subject to, and
highlight the controversial morals and poor treatment of women within this era.
● However, these stereotypes are enforced upon Ofelia when she is locked in her room
by Vidal, to show how women were often subject to the control and authority of the
male figures within their lives, and completely powerless when in their company.
● Key scenes: Ofelia ruining the dress that she was forced to wear by her mother -
shows her rejection of patriarchal values and her refusal to conform to the
expectations of society. Ofelia entering the labyrinth and confronting the Faun,
unnerved - shows her fearlessness and desire for adventure. Ofelia eating the food
from the Pale Man’s table, despite being warned not to - shows her sense of rebellion
and slight stubbornness. Vidal locking Ofelia in her bedroom - shows how she is
subject to his control, and powerless in the real world (also linking in with the theme
of reality vs fantasy).
Mercedes:
, ● The character of Mercedes is also used to subvert these presented stereotypes,
through the power and bravery that she demonstrates at several points during the
film.
● Her character is portrayed as being valiant and heroic, through her protection of
Ofelia against Vidal, and the secretive help that she offers to her brother, who is a
rebel hiding from the wrath of the Spanish Army.
● She is also shown to be caring and compassionate through her treatment towards
Ofelia and Carmen, who all share the burden of living within the same harsh situation
and under the strict regime of the Captain.
● This portrayal of Mercedes is purposely constructed to highlight the minorities within
Spanish society and express how citizens were treated for opposing the beliefs
forced upon them.
● Key scenes: Mercedes sings to Ofelia - shows her compassion and attentiveness
towards Ofelia, and highlights how she could be considered more of a mother figure
towards her than Carmen. Mercedes helps her brother - shows how she is willing to
risk everything in order to ensure her brother remains safe (highlighting her devotion
and bravery). Mercedes’ escape - presents her as courageous and switches power
roles between her and Vidal, showing how she has the upper hand and is capable of
being as powerful and authoritative as he is.
Vidal:
● Throughout the film, Vidal is used as a representative of the patriarchal society, and
reinforces the stereotypes surrounding the treatment of men and women during this
era.
● He is portrayed as being controlling, insolent and dismissive towards those deemed
‘below him’, and shown to be callous when expressing his views on the state of his
own country, and the treatment towards the poor and less fortunate.
● He is also shown to frame his life entirely around his work.
● When Carmen and Ofelia arrive at his station, Vidal makes a point of touching
Carmen’s bump before formally greeting her, showing how his priority is his son, and
the care of his wife comes after him.
● However, the power and authority of Vidal is completely diminished when he is
attacked by Mercedes, highlighting the weaknesses concealed under his stern
forefront, and enhancing female empowerment to subvert the stereotypes and ideas
surrounding patriarchy.
● Key scenes: Ofelia meets Vidal for the first time - instantly establishes authority and
power through him wearing his uniform and appearing to look down on Ofelia (shown
through the use of low angled shots from Ofelia’s perspective). Dinner scene -
highlights Vidal’s callousness through the way he talks about the less fortune, and
reflects the power he has over Carmen when he dismisses her for publicly talking
about their relationship. Mercedes’ attack - portrays Vidal at his most vulnerable and
weak, and transfers the power to Mercedes when she threatens him with the knife
she keeps hidden under her apron, and slices his mouth open (the key significance
of this scene is to establish how Vidal will be left with a scar once the cut heals, and
will be forever have to live with the reminder of his weakness in the face of a female).
Carmen’s death - highlights Vidal’s remorselessness, and shows how he only ever
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