Montse Ribé: From Childhood Dreams to Oscar-Winning Special Effects Mastery
Montse Ribé, an Oscar-winning special effects artist, reflects on her journey from childhood dreams in Molins de Rei to creating iconic creatures in films like Pan’s Labyrinth. Her dedication and artistry continue to inspire a new generation of filmmakers.
Molins de Rei, Barcelona. Interview by Alex López. Compilation and article by Amaia García Carra.
The 42nd edition of TerrorMolins not only brought us chills and thrills but also paid tribute to Montse Ribé, the special effects and makeup artist who has left an indelible mark on the history of fantasy and horror cinema. In an exclusive interview with Teens Media Network, the talented creator shared her beginnings, artistic vision, and the challenges of her career.
Montse Ribé was deeply moved to receive the honorary award, not only for the prestige of the recognition but also because it held a special meaning, coming from her homeland. “It all started here. As a child, I dreamed of making little monsters and never imagined receiving an honorary award in Molins de Rei,” she remarked, emphasizing how special it was to be acknowledged where she grew up and discovered her passion for special effects.
Montse detailed the nature of her work, which spans from realistic effects—such as aging, cuts, or pregnancy bellies—to the creation of fantastical creatures and animatronics, like those seen in Pan’s Labyrinth. With fascinating examples, Ribé revealed the level of detail and the blend of real and fictional references required for each project. “For realistic effects, we look for medical references; for fantastical ones, we draw inspiration from nature and the director’s vision,” she explained.
When asked how she selects her projects, Montse responded candidly. Although it might seem like she can pick and choose freely, she explained that this isn’t always the case in the industry. “Sometimes you have to accept projects because this job is like a roller coaster: either you’re overwhelmed with work or there’s nothing.” She also highlighted the importance of finding excitement in what she does, prioritizing projects that truly inspire her, even though time constraints and budget limitations can sometimes be challenging.
We also discussed the differences between working on realistic films, such as those by Pedro Almodóvar, and fantastical projects, like Pan’s Labyrinth. For Montse, realistic films require precision, replicating reality exactly as it is. In contrast, fantastical films demand creativity. “You have to imagine everything from scratch, but always using real elements as references.”
Montse shared that her love for bugs and fantastical creatures began in childhood. Inspired by films like E.T., Yoda, and Gremlins, she found her calling in special effects. Although she admitted her journey has been far from idyllic, she emphasized that her passion for her work has driven her to where she is today.
For those dreaming of a career in film, Montse was clear: “Do this because you’re passionate about it, not for the awards or the money.” She stressed the importance of hard work and maintaining a positive attitude, pointing out that in filmmaking, as in other creative professions, effort and dedication make all the difference.
The relationship with the director, according to Montse, is crucial. She described how some directors have very clear ideas, while others are more open to suggestions. “Sometimes it’s hard to land on the right design, but when you connect with the emotion the director wants to convey, you find the way,” she explained.
With over three decades in the film industry, an Oscar, and numerous awards to her name, Montse Ribé remains an inspiration for those who dream of creating unforgettable worlds and characters. Her career reflects not only immense talent but also relentless dedication and a profound love for the art of special effects.