Pablo Larraín

Pablo Larraín

Director

BIO

Pablo Larraín, born on August 9, 1976, in Santiago, Chile, is a renowned filmmaker celebrated for his innovative storytelling and unique visual style. Growing up in a politically charged environment during the Pinochet regime, Larraín's early life was marked by the socio-political turmoil that would later profoundly influence his work. He studied at the Universidad Católica de Chile, where he honed his skills in film and developed a keen interest in the power of cinema to reflect societal issues.

Larraín's film career began in the early 2000s, but he gained international recognition with his acclaimed 2008 film "Tony Manero," which tells the story of a man obsessed with the character from "Saturday Night Fever" during the dictatorship era. This film marked a significant turning point in Larraín's career, showcasing his ability to blend dark humor with poignant social commentary. Following "Tony Manero," Larraín continued to explore themes of identity and memory in the context of Chile's turbulent history.

In 2012, he released "No," starring Gael García Bernal, a film that examines the 1988 plebiscite in which Chileans voted to end Pinochet's dictatorship. "No" was praised for its innovative use of archival footage and its ability to convey the complexities of political change. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, further solidifying Larraín's status as a significant voice in contemporary cinema.

Larraín's documentary work has also garnered attention. His 2015 film "The Club" explores the lives of disgraced priests living in a secluded community, grappling with their pasts in the context of the Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandals. The film won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, highlighting Larraín's talent for tackling controversial subjects with sensitivity and depth.

In addition to his narrative features and documentaries, Larraín directed the powerful biopic "Jackie" (2016), starring Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy in the aftermath of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. The film delves into themes of grief, loss, and the construction of public personas, showcasing Larraín's ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes. "Jackie" received critical acclaim and earned Portman an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Larraín continued to explore historical and biographical subjects with "Neruda" (2016), a film about the life of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, and "

Birthday

Aug. 19, 1976

Place of birth

Santiago, Chile

Known for