Guillermo del Toro is the latest of Mexican filmmakers to speak out against the government, defiantly stating his country is on the verge of a “social apocalypse.”
“From the bloodbath we will not save anyone and that is something I would love is understood by the political class, understood by those dedicated to narco-trafficking,” he said during the International Film Festival in Guadalajara. “Mexico is about to experience a social apocalypse. I firmly believe it and that the media does not openly say it does not mean it’s not happening and that’s tragic.”
Del Toro celebrated Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu’s Oscar win last month and praised him for the statements the “Birdman” director made during his acceptance speech. He said it’s important that artists and filmmakers do not silence themselves when they can express their opinions or they will fall into “comfort and a profound cowardice.”
The “Pacific Rim” director said Mexico is full of artificial divisions, like sexism and classism, when in reality all citizens are the same.
“I think those ideas are the only reason why we commit the brutalities we do to each other. The only way that you can torture, kill or destroy a human being who is from your country, from your own race, of the same language, is by creating an artificial division … it’s that comfort that allowed the Nazis to call Jews something else,” Del Toro said.
Speaking about his career, the 50-year-old said he has never done a film for money.
The “Pan’s Labyrinth” director, who has two Oscars under his belt, has written a total of 22 screenplays, nine of which have been produced — 13 others are waiting.
Actress Jessica Chastain could not stop gushing about her admiration for Del Toro, who directed her in the supernatural period film “Crimson Peak,” out in October.
"He's a dream come true," she said.
Based on reporting by The Associated Press.