Pablo Larraín Reflects on Politics, Cinema, and the Enduring Legacy of Pinochet
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A renowned Chilean filmmaker, Pablo Larraín, expressed concerns about the potential rise of the extreme right in his home country while attending the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Larraín, celebrated as a master of contemporary world cinema, underscored the broad implications of political shifts, stating, “I just wish that if the extreme right wing wins as the polls say, I wish them to understand that they will govern the entire country, not just the ones who voted for them.”
A Political Lens on Chilean History
Politics are inextricably linked to Larraín’s artistic vision. His films frequently grapple with the complexities of Chile’s past, particularly the 17-year dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Early works like Tony Manero (2008), Post Mortem (2010), and No (2012) directly confront this period, while his more recent film, El Conde (2023)—a darkly comedic take featuring Pinochet and Margaret Thatcher as vampires—employs metaphor to explore its lasting impact.
Larraín clarified that his focus isn’t solely on the Pinochet regime itself, but rather on its profound and enduring reorganization of Chilean society. “My films are not concerned specifically about the Pinochet regime, but about how it reorganised our society and not only what happened back then, but what happened afterwards,” he explained. He believes that societal shifts create consequences that may initially be unseen, but inevitably become apparent over time. Born in 1976, Larraín experienced Pinochet’s downfall as a young boy in 1988, but his adult life has been consistently shaped by the political, social, and cultural repercussions of the dictatorship.
Larraín posits that the themes explored in his work—authoritarianism and fascism—resonate beyond the Chilean context. He suggests these forces are understandable across diverse cultures and nations. Regarding El Conde, he acknowledged uncertainty about how audiences in Kerala would interpret the film’s metaphors, stating, “So, I don’t have any idea about how people watching the movie El Conde here would react to the metaphors in it.”
Beyond History: The Intimacy of Biography
While deeply engaged with historical and political themes, Larraín has also garnered acclaim for his biopics, including Jackie (starring Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy), Spencer (with Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana), and Maria (featuring Angelina Jolie as opera singer Maria Callas). However, his approach to biography diverges from traditional narratives that prioritize chronology and major life events.
Instead, Larraín focuses on capturing the essence of his subjects through intense, intimate observation. “I think that the tendency of observing someone through many years is not necessarily the right approach,” he asserted. He believes that a concentrated period of detailed observation—particularly during a time of crisis—can reveal profound insights into a person’s character. “If someone would observe me in very strong detail and at a very intimate level for five days…you can find substantial definitions of that person, always in the scope of fiction,” he explained.
From Film Projector to Global Stage
Larraín’s passion for cinema began in a remarkably personal way: with a small film projector in his room. He recounted renting film prints from the Goethe-Institut in Santiago during the 1990s, meticulously transporting them in heavy bags for private screenings. “I was fascinated not only with the film, but the beauty of the projection process too,” he recalled. This initial fascination evolved from a technical interest to a narrative one, ultimately shaping his career.
A Promising Future for Co-Production
Larraín expressed his enthusiasm for the vibrant independent cinema scene at the IFFK, noting the consistently full cinema halls. He indicated a strong desire to return to Kerala and explore potential collaborations. “Now, co-productions are happening. Maybe, we could see people from here shooting in Chile. I would like to come and make a movie here,” he concluded, signaling a potential new chapter in international cinematic exchange.
