The much-anticipated Netflix adaptation of “Pedro Páramo,” a highly revered work of Mexican literature, is scheduled to debut on November 6, 2024. A common inquiry regarding this iconic narrative revolves around the character of Pedro Páramo. Is he inspired by an actual person?
“Pedro Páramo,” written by Mexican novelist Juan Rulfo in 1955, follows the journey of Juan Preciado, who vows to his dying mother that he will find his long-lost father in the fictional town of Comala. Upon his arrival, Preciado encounters a desolate town filled with spirits who share insights about life in Comala and his father, Pedro Páramo.
However, the character of Páramo is not rooted in any real-life individual or someone known personally to Rulfo. Instead, the narrative unfolds in the early 20th century amid the upheaval of the Mexican Revolution, casting Páramo as both the protagonist and antagonist of the tale. The town of Comala reflects both Páramo’s virtues and flaws.
Páramo is portrayed as a profoundly flawed character, largely fixated on his childhood love, Susana San Juan. After her passing, he succumbs to despair, ultimately allowing the town to “wither away.” While he harbors love for Susana, Páramo also exhibits a violent nature, inflicting harm on multiple women, fathering numerous offspring, and embodying a contentious and aggressive demeanor—traits that clearly distance him from the archetype of a standard hero, notwithstanding the fact that the novel bears his name.
Directed by renowned cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, making his directorial debut with this project, Netflix’s adaptation features Manuel García Rulfo, known for his role in “The Lincoln Lawyer,” as Pedro Páramo. The adaptation aims to bring this compelling narrative to a broader audience. As the release date approaches, it is essential to understand who Pedro Páramo is and to recognize that he is far from a heroic figure.
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