"What is a ghost? A tragedy condemned to repeat itself time and again? An instant of pain, perhaps ... Like an insect trapped in amber."
- Casares, The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Dir. Guillermo del Toro; Drama/Horror, 106 Min
What is Horror? It depends on who you ask. We take a huge jump in tone from Takashi Miike's Audition to Guillermo Del Torro's The Devil's Backbone. The Devil's Backbone is a fairly light week, but important to understand for future films (like Hostel).
Click the link below to take the general information quiz about The Devil's Backbone.
Click the link below to complete the assignment on Gothic Horror and its relation to The Devil's Backbone.
Click the link below to take part in the discussion regarding Guillermo del Toro and his feelings on Horror.
Summary
After losing his father, 10-year-old Carlos (Fernando Tielve) arrives at the Santa Lucia School, which shelters orphans of the Republican militia and politicians, and is taken in by the steely headmistress, Carmen (Marisa Paredes), and the kindly professor, Casares (Federico Luppi). Soon after his arrival, Carlos has a run-in with the violent caretaker, Jacinto (Eduardo Noriega). Gradually, Carlos uncovers the secrets of the school, including the youthful ghost that wanders the grounds.