From “Harry Potter” to “Roma”
Versatile director: Alfonso Cuarón turns 60
The Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón is turning 60. Photo: Ettore Ferrari / ANSA via ZUMA Press / dpa
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The child who used to secretly go to the cinema in his hometown has become one of the largest and most diverse actors in film at the moment. Alfonso Cuarón!
Alfonso Cuarón was born 60 years ago (November 28th) in the Mexican metropolis of Mexico City. As a little boy he had two big dreams for the future.
In addition to his career as a director, he was also – probably like every child – attracted by the astronaut. But with a birthday present, namely a camera, it quickly became clear at the age of twelve which direction the journey would take.
The eccentric artist expressed his love for his homeland in 2018 with the masterpiece «Roma». The 1970s black and white portrait of Mexican society won several Academy Awards.
The man who dares a lot despite protest
The Mexican’s breakthrough came with the blockbuster “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004). But the way to the final film was accompanied by loud disapproval and criticism. Alfonso Cuarón, who had not read a single work from the Harry Potter series before, made existential changes to the film set and the characters who became famous in the first films.
In doing so, he took the franchise to a new level, gave it a new coat of paint and made sure that the films grew with their audience. From a children’s series, the epic youth and family experience unfolded, the success of which continues to this day.
The anecdote on the set dates from this time when he asked the three main characters to write a short essay describing their characters in the film. While Emma Watson wrote a 16-page essay, Daniel Radcliffe only wrote one page, and Rupert Grint has never written a single sentence.
A commitment to the fourth film in the fantasy series – “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” – turned Cuarón down in order to fully devote himself to his actual work.
International prices en masse and still not satisfied
The last 10 years in particular were among the most successful of his career. In 2014, his 3D space thriller “Gravity” received seven Oscars. The high point of his career for the time being, however, was the drama “Roma”, which, in addition to three Oscars, received numerous other prizes. The film is a popular material in school lessons to show contrasts in society and to answer social questions.
Undoubtedly, Cuarón not only once demonstrated what a great talent he is and how much he is capable of developing his potential, but he did not manage to convince someone in particular. Himself. He never watches his own film again after it is released. His perfectionism does not allow it to this day.