Essay on Myth in World Film - Pan's Labyrinth & Alice in Wonderland

Pan's Labyrinth & Alice in Wonderland

Pan's Labyrinth is the story of a young girl, named Ofelia, who has to deal with transition and change. She has to move into a new home, and is expected to accept her mother's new husband as her new father. While on her journey she encounters a insect like creature that she identifies as being a fairy. This fairy follows her and lures her away to a fairy world. Ofelia is forced to wear a fancy dress, but destroys it on her quest to fulfill the three missions given to her by the faun. The events that occur throughout this story, lead the way for Ofelia to learn how to be responsible, make difficult decisions, and to put others before herself.

Alice in Wonderland is the story of a girl, named Alice, whose journey is provoked by a series of personal encounters between her and her family, who are trying to persuade her into more adult-like thoughts and behaviors, such as her own impending marriage. However, Alice has a desire to extend her childhood; she is not ready to be an adult. During the party for Alice and her fiance, a mischievous rabbit appears and leads Alice to the rabbit hole that she falls down in her pretty dress. She is taken to another world, a dreamlike state in which she encounters friends and foes and situations which cause her to grow, mature, strengthen her character, and learn how to navigate the world.

There are many similarities between these two films. Strong girls take center stage. The audience is immediately endeared to these young ladies for their innocence and strength of spirit. There are many themes that run through these films, one very important theme is that of Time. In Pan's Labyrinth the captain is always checking his stopwatch and speaking of time. Ofelia also has to deal with time that is running out, time to complete her missions, time before the full moon, time before her mother has the baby, time before she must escape, time limitations for her to become a princess in her fairy kingdom. Time is also running out for Alice who is growing up. The rabbit let Alice know that she was late for a very important date. The Mad hatter sees her and says, its teatime, it's time to have tea. Alice also has missions. Government in Wonderland is oppressive; she must overthrow the corrupt Red Queen and liberate her friends in Wonderland. There is a running theme of social and government politics, as well as innate compulsion for these two girls to fulfill a higher purpose. In both situations, the girls face off against their oppressors. There is a coming of age type theme. Both young women approach a very troubled world with a very youthful, imaginative, wide-eyed child-like perspective. They both are in wonder. The Director tells the story in a hallucinogenic, surreal, dreamlike state. Music is utilized for the exciting effect and anticipatory purpose.