Italian
Alfonso Cuarón’s next chapter: A dive into horror?
A masterclass revelation
During a recent masterclass at the Locarno Film Festival, Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón shared an intriguing revelation: his interest in venturing into the horror genre. Known for his diverse filmography, which includes titles like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Roma, Cuarón’s potential shift to horror has piqued the curiosity of cinema enthusiasts worldwide.
A love for grounded horror
“I love horror movies,” Cuarón confessed, distinguishing his tastes from those of his friend and frequent collaborator, Guillermo del Toro. While del Toro gravitates towards fantasy and metaphysical horror, Cuarón prefers more grounded narratives. He mentioned being inspired by Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby and The Tenant, hinting at a more psychological and realistic approach to the genre.
From Hogwarts to dystopia
Cuarón’s career has been marked by both commercial successes and artistic triumphs. Reflecting on his collaboration with J.K. Rowling for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, he revealed his initial hesitation to take on the project. However, after reading the book, he was captivated by Rowling’s focus on the transition from childhood to adolescence and the social context of certain classes, rather than just magic. “I love the universe that she created because it’s so grounded in humanity. It was a joy to do that film,” Cuarón said.
Learning from visual effects
The experience of working on the Harry Potter film proved invaluable for Cuarón’s future projects. ”I knew that to do Children of Men, I would need visual effects,” he explained. “I said, okay, I don’t know anything about visual effects. This is going to be my kindergarten.” The skills he acquired on Prisoner of Azkaban later informed his work on the dystopian thriller Children of Men and the space drama Gravity.
Overcoming setbacks
Cuarón also reflected on the commercial failure of Children of Men upon its initial release, which led to a career downturn. This setback ultimately led to the creation of Gravity, a project he conceived as a commercially appealing venture to revive his career.
Reinvention and creative challenges
Throughout the masterclass, Cuarón emphasized the importance of reinvention and challenging oneself as a filmmaker. He described his approach to Roma, for which he won the Oscar for best director, as a complete departure from his previous methods. “I wrote the screenplay, but the rule was that I was going to write it and not look back, no corrections,” he said. He then shelved the script and shot the film in continuity, with actors learning their roles day by day.
The emotional toll of creativity
This unconventional process, while creatively stimulating, took an emotional toll on the director. “I didn’t realize the toll that it was taking by reproducing the space of my childhood,” Cuarón said. “It was like going into some sanatorium and receiving electroshocks.”
What’s next?
Cuarón’s upcoming project is the series Disclaimer for Apple TV+, starring Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline. Set to launch on Oct. 11, this series marks another exciting chapter in Cuarón’s illustrious career.
Final thoughts
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, Cuarón’s journey offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a director who continually seeks to push boundaries and explore new genres. His potential foray into horror, inspired by classics like Rosemary’s Baby and The Tenant, promises to bring a fresh and grounded perspective to the genre. As we await his next projects, one thing is certain: Alfonso Cuarón’s creative journey is far from over, and his future endeavors will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
