Pan's Labyrinth - Various Artists

When I was watching Pan's Labyrinth, I have to say that I was so enamoured by its artistic beauty and integrity, that I was unaware, or at least to say I did not fully appreciate, that which would become my favourite film soundtrack ever. I do not even suppose that not noticing the score which accompanied Guillermo del Toro's masterpiece is necessarily a bad thing - it simply pays testament to how well the film was crafted. Now, enough of my inane ...
...of capturing the essence of Pan's Labyrinth musically was given to Acadamey-Award nominated composer Javier Navarette. He is a relatively unknown individual, though he has collaborated with Del Toro in the past with the 'Devil's Backbone' of which I was not as impressed with. However, he has really put himself on the 'musical map' with this 21 track album. Del Toro has claimed that Pan's Labyrinth was designed to be reminiscent of a bed-time story ... more

When I was watching Pan's Labyrinth, I have to say that I was so enamoured by its artistic beauty and integrity, that I was unaware, or at least to say I did not fully appreciate, that which would become my favourite film soundtrack ever. I do not even suppose that not noticing the score which accompanied Guillermo del Toro's masterpiece is necessarily a bad thing - it simply pays testament to how well the film was crafted. Now, enough of my inane and bias opinions of this - on with some objective commentaries.

The job of capturing the essence of Pan's Labyrinth musically was given to Acadamey-Award nominated composer Javier Navarette. He is a relatively unknown individual, though he has collaborated with Del Toro in the past with the 'Devil's Backbone' of which I was not as impressed with. However, he has really put himself on the 'musical map' with this 21 track album. Del Toro has claimed that Pan's Labyrinth was designed to be reminiscent of a bed-time story and when you listen to the first track "Long, Long time ago", the simple lullabye of which the rest of the soundtrack is based upon, you do get the cosy warm feeling which you used to get when tucked into your bed at night. His work is permeated by a sense of dull melancholy which strangely excites. Navarette uses the whole orchestra to their full potential, however, the main focus is on the strings, harps and occassionaly choirs. The combination of all culminates in a magical depression which very accutley reflects the narrative of the film.

Pan's Labyrinth is, in my opinion, the perfect film - in visuals, plot and audio. Take a way any of these, and the seamless bubble which seals and captures the beauty and skill which the film owns, bursts.

 

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