Guillermo del Toro's The Devil's Backbone and Pan's Labyrinth - Studies in the Horror Film

Before Pacific Rim and Crimson Peak, Guillermo del Toro wrote, produced, and directed two films held by secrets of the past, The Devil’s Backbone (2001) and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006). Both films garnered international acclaim, with the second breaking box-office records for a Spanish feature and winning three Oscars. Both films rank among the best films of the decade.

For the first time, editor Danel Olson approaches these movies as cinematic siblings whose quests are bound together. In addition to interviews, never-before-seen photographs, and concept drawings, international scholars offer ten essays on the themes of philosophy, sex, metaphor, feminism, fascism, music, fantasy, ghosts, and history in the films, as well as del Toro’s literary and artistic influences.