Reimagining the Monster
Director Guillermo del Toro stands at the crossroads of horror and art, ready to unveil his latest cinematic endeavor, "Frankenstein," a project that has spanned decades. Known for his vivid storytelling in films like "Pan's Labyrinth" and "The Shape of Water," del Toro now brings Mary Shelley's iconic narrative back to life, torn and stitched into a new form. In an enlightening dialogue, he shared, "We made, I think, the most extensive, minute, anatomical putting together of the monster in the history of cinema." There's a blend of meticulous artistry and personal connection in his work; del Toro's obsession with the narrative runs deep, tracing back to childhood inspirations.
As del Toro introduces the creature, he playfully acknowledges the grotesque details—"Sorry about breakfast!"—while examining every sinew and organ in his visionary model. His approach to this adaptation hinges on understanding the humanity of the monster—a theme that resonates universally.
A Personal Connection
Del Toro crafted "Frankenstein" for Netflix, and as he led "Sunday Morning" through a London exhibition focused on his vision, he revealed the multiple facets of his creative process: from intricate wardrobe designs to extensive notes accumulated over years. The exhibition also featured an original, inscribed text from Mary Shelley, to which del Toro whimsically exclaimed, "This is the one I would steal!" This playful yet reverent attitude highlights his lifelong fascination with Shelley's inquiries about identity and existence.
“Well, first of all, it was written by a teenager that was full of questions and rage and rebellion,” del Toro said.
Such insistence on what compels us to ask the big questions—"What are we? Why am I human? Why am I here?"—lends depth to his adaptation. Del Toro sees relevance in these queries to contemporary society, positing that they are as relevant today as they were in Shelley's time.
Halloween and Beyond
Timed deliberately to debut around Halloween, del Toro exclaims, "To me, Halloween is all year long!" His playful spirit echoes in his home, which he describes as a repository of secrets and monsters. Del Toro's house is not just a dwelling but a manifestation of his personality—filled with the very themes he explores in his films. "I built it! When I was forty-something, I invested everything I had into creating the house I wanted when I was 7," he shared, showcasing his unyielding passion for storytelling.
The Universality of Monsters
“We are all creatures,” he insists. Within our imperfections lie the seeds of acceptance. Del Toro identifies with the notion that monsters often serve as vessels for our hidden eccentricities. From Boris Karloff's iconic portrayal of the creature to his own film, every iteration has opened the door to dialogues about acceptance.
"Monsters tell you, look, it's okay to be you. It's okay to be imperfect," he reflected, emphasizing the moral fiber woven throughout the fabric of his artistic mission.
Casting Choices and Character Crafting
For del Toro, casting the right actors is crucial to breathe life into his vision. He found a striking match in Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi for the lead roles, attributing their casting to the allure of their eyes—"Oscar had brilliance, madness, seduction, and pain. And Jacob was completely open, with an innocence that was disarming." Each performer is not just part of a film but becomes a crucial element in the exploration of the monstrous.
A Love Letter to Literature
Ultimately, del Toro views "Frankenstein" not just as a film but a culmination of a lifelong affair with storytelling. “You are born to sing one or two songs in your lifetime. This is my song,” he concludes with fervor, encapsulating both a professional and personal relationship with the narrative. To him, the echoes of classic literature have never been drowned out by modernity but instead enrich our cultural tapestry.
Final Thoughts
As we look forward to the premiere of "Frankenstein" on Netflix, it's a timely reminder that creativity thrives on the strange, the imperfect, and the unconventional. Del Toro's adaptation urges us to embrace our monstrosities and find beauty in our imperfect humanity. It challenges us to consider our own identities—asking, at its core, not just who we are, but how our stories shape us.
Source reference: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/guillermo-del-toro-on-frankenstein-and-remaking-a-monster/
