Renowned Oscar-winning auteur Alfonso Cuarón, amidst a captivating masterclass at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival, unveiled his fervent aspiration to delve into the realm of horror cinema. The Mexican mastermind, who was recently honored with a lifetime achievement accolade at the festival, boasts a celebrated filmography that spans genres, from the enchanting wizardry of "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" to the poignant realism of "Roma."
"I am deeply enamored with horror movies," Cuarón confessed, his preferences painting a contrasting landscape to those of his esteemed friend and frequent collaborator, Guillermo del Toro, who finds solace in the fantastical and metaphysical fringes of the genre. Cuarón, on the other hand, revels in the grounded terror, flirting teasingly with the horror canvas, citing masterpieces like Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Tenant" as beacons that guide his artistic endeavors.
This potential genre leap marks a significant chapter in Cuarón's illustrious career, already adorned with both commercial glory and artistic accolades. Sharing insights into his celebrated partnership with J.K. Rowling on "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," the director revealed a moment of hesitation before being wholly enchanted by the magical tome, ultimately embarking on a journey that reshaped the franchise's cinematic landscape.
"I witnessed its sheer brilliance," he enthused, highlighting that Rowling's penchant lay not merely in the realm of magic but deeply entrenched in the transition from innocence to adolescence and the intricate social tapestry of distinct classes. "I am enamored with the universe she [Rowling] crafted, for it resonates profoundly with humanity's essence. Crafting that film was a sheer delight," Cuaron reminisced.
The 'Harry Potter' journey served as a invaluable compass for Cuarón's subsequent endeavors. "I recognized that to embark on 'Children of Men,' I would traverse uncharted waters of visual effects," he elaborated. "I conceded, albeit ignorant in this realm, that it would be my artistic kindergarten." The expertise he honed on 'Prisoner of Azkaban' subsequently illuminated his path in the dystopian odyssey of 'Children of Men' and the awe-inspiring space odyssey 'Gravity.'
Cuarón also delved into the commercial misstep of 'Children of Men' upon its premiere, a setback that momentarily stunted his career's momentum. Yet, adversity birthed 'Gravity,' a project conceived as a commercial triumph to reignite his cinematic spark.
Throughout the masterclass, Cuarón underscored the paramount significance of reinvention and self-challenge as a filmmaker's creed. He divulged his radical approach to 'Roma,' the Oscar-winning masterpiece that marked a stark departure from his established modus operandi. "I penned the screenplay, adhering to a strict rule: pen, then proceed without looking back, no revisions allowed," he recounted. He then sequestered the script, embarking on a continuous shooting spree where actors embraced their roles day by day, fostering an immersive creative fervor.
This unconventional journey, though creatively exhilarating, exacted an emotional toll on the director. "I was oblivious to the emotional expenditure of recreating my childhood's landscape," Cuarón confessed. "It felt akin to undergoing electroshock therapy in a sanitarium."
Now, Cuarón's latest endeavor, the Apple TV+ series 'Disclaimer,' starring the formidable Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline, looms large on the horizon, set to premiere on October 11th, promising yet another chapter in his illustrious filmmaking legacy.
