2. Key Primary Texts
I will be studying two main texts for my research. I will look at
“Donnie Darko” (Kelly: 2001) and “Pan’s Labyrinth” (Del Toro:
2006). Both of these films explore an alternate world or reality
within the real world. Both films feature an innocent (or
seemingly so) adolescent who enters an alternate world. They
both make the audience wonder and question whether or not
the alternate reality exists.
3. Aims of research
I aim to find out why alternate realities in films make us ponder.
Why are children often used to tell the story? Is it because it’s
their imagination? What are the messages and values of these
films, and do they have a deeper meaning? I will also explore
into why audiences cannot seemingly tell the difference
between reality and an alternate one/a dream.
4. Link To My Project
Like the films I am studying, my project will feature an
adolescent going into an alternate reality. I will aim to make my
film make the audience wonder about what’s real and what isnt
and why we cannot tell the difference.
