The director of Spanish psycho thriller Julia’s Eyes talks monsters, horror and Guillermo Del Toro.

Guillem Morales is the director of new Spanish psycho-thriller Julia’s Eyes, which is produced by Guillermo Del Torro for Rodar Y Rodar, and brings together much of the same creative team as The Orphanage. Morales co-wrote the screenplay, which tellls the story of a woman (played by Belen Rueda) trying to investigate the mysterious death of her twin sister as she battles with losing her eyesight, with Oriol Paulo.

Universal is releasing the film in Spain, France and Latin America, with Optimum set to release in the UK.

You’ve stated previously that you’re a huge fan of video games and that they influenced Julia’s Eyes.

Yeah, I’m a big fan. One of my favourites is Silent Hill. The production designer based the aesthetic of the movie in the premises of one of these American video games like Silent Hill, so we needed to translate that into Europe.

You love Silent Hill and you obviously love horror. But what scares you in real life?

I think I’m seriously scared of going mad. When you wake up one day and you can’t recognize around anything around you, you are seeing another point of view - an insane point of view. Not understanding is the scariest thing.

Terror is when you are afraid of being injured or damaged - horror is when you are afraid of losing your soul.

Does that reflect in the movie?

I think in my movie there’s horror. It’s more psychological. It’s losing your soul. If you are going blind, you have to face your fears. 

There’s a pure fear in the movie.

Why do you think producer Guillermo Del Toro liked the project initially?

Guillermo and I are pretty different, but we’ve got some things in common. [We] both love monsters, but I love another kind of monster - human monsters.

What’s next for you? There have been reports of a remake of your first film, Uninvited Guest.

Yes, but it’s not my business anymore. I think it’s over. I’m moving to London to live there and improve my English. I will be 
writing next year [with co-writer from Julia’s Eyes] for my new project - it will be another thriller.

You must love the thriller genre.

I think it’s the best way to explain a story. You are giving information and the audience pays attention. The thriller is the way you explain something - if the story is good, it’s better. I love the genre. There’s no problems.


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