The long-awaited Netflix adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s acclaimed novel One Hundred Years of Solitude has captured global attention, making its way to the Global Top 10 list. Director Alex García López, who helmed five episodes of the series, recently shared his creative approach in a conversation with Forbes.
López expressed admiration for García Márquez, often referred to as “Gabo,” and the magic of his storytelling. He immersed himself in the cultural richness of Colombia’s Caribbean to bring the fictional town of Macondo and the Buendía family to life on screen. “I started to see Gabo’s youth and his stories and his family differently. It was fundamental to bring that energy to life,” López explained.
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One of his major challenges was adapting a novel with little dialogue but a deep, unique voice. After reading the script, he felt a sense of excitement and believed that the project could truly honor the original work. To convey the surreal and magical elements of the book, López employed a narrator whose perspective evolves throughout the series, adding an ethereal layer to the show. The camera often follows the narrator’s point of view, exploring the world of Macondo with a sense of discovery.
Working closely with the author’s sons, Rodrigo and Gonzalo, helped López stay true to the essence of the story. With their support, he believes the series will resonate with a global audience, much like the book itself, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.
