Adapted from the historic Juan Rulfo novel of the same name, Pedro Paramo is a peculiar film. As an adaptation I cannot speak of as I have not read the book. But as I film, I can speak to it and all that I can say is that I wished I read the book because I was confused by what was going on in this film.
I have a feeling those who love the novel will greatly enjoy this adaptation. However, those who are unfamiliar with the novel are going to be left confused by the film. We follow Juan Preciado (Tenoch Hueta) as he travels to the remote village of Comala to find his father, Pedro Paramo (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) in hopes of claiming some birthright inheritance. But instead claiming material inheritance, he inherits lifetimes of trauma and pain as he his haunted by the ghost of those who suffered from his father. On paper this is a very straight-forward paranormal narrative that works perfectly in literature. However, in a visual audio medium, this multi-generational paranormal story becomes convoluted as we fade between numerous storylines and characters as they tell how Pedro Paramo terrorized their lives.
This inherent flaw makes for a confusing and muddled narrative. Yet, within this confusion I was still fascinated by this picture. Four-time Academy Award nominated cinematographer, Rodrigo Prieto, makes his directorial debut with Pedro Paramo. His direction is strong, as he creates an overwhelming foreboding atmosphere filled with dread, sin, terror, and evil as we explore the lives of those haunted by Pedro Paramo. And within this exploration, we find Catholic themes, such as forgiveness and religious hypocrisy pour over every frame. Whether is Juan taking responsibility of the sins of the father, to Pedro leisurely walking into church to confess to his barbaric sins, the film is a thematically rich tapestry. It is only the muddled storytelling that holds the film back.
Overall, Pedro Paramo is a peculiar film. It has strong performances, especially from Manuel Garcia-Rulfo commands the screen as Pedro Paramo. However, its muddled storytelling will definitely leave viewers scratching their heads. Yet within that confusing you can’t help but be fascinated by the story. I know the next time I go to a bookstore I am definitely pick myself a copy of the novel.
My Rating: B
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