Cinema Dissection: Pan’s Labyrinth

Film Talks

Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth is a hauntingly beautiful portrait of resistance—against fascism, patriarchy, and the loss of innocence. In this Cinema Dissection, local filmmaker and PBS producer Jeremy Cropf guides viewers through an in-depth, shot-by-shot examination of how del Toro blends fantasy and historical realism to illuminate the far-reaching impact of authoritarian power and the defiant strength of those who stand against it.

Through mythic allegory and striking technical craft—from rich art direction to stunning cinematography—Pan’s Labyrinth becomes both a fairytale and a cry of protest. Explore its layered symbolism, its look at the emotional toll of obedience, and how fascist and patriarchal systems intertwine, especially in the lives of women and children trapped within them.