Guillermo del Toro Would Trade Career for Tea with Mary Shelley
Guillermo del Toro, a celebrated filmmaker, has been engrossed in the world of Mary Shelley since childhood. With a career that includes three Academy Awards, del Toro’s latest project is a long-cherished adaptation of Frankenstein, now available on Netflix. This film has brought together an impressive cast, including Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, showcasing Latino talent alongside Christoph Waltz.
Del Toro’s Lifelong Obsession with Mary Shelley
Del Toro first encountered Shelley’s iconic novel at the age of eleven. He had already been influenced by the 1931 film adaptation, directed by James Whale, which left a lasting impact on him. This early exposure shaped his deep admiration for Shelley’s exploration of humanity and monstrosity.
- Age When Discovered Frankenstein: 11 years old
- First Encounter with the Film: 7 years old
The significance of Shelley’s themes resonated with del Toro, particularly regarding the human condition and father-son relationships. As he matured, he sought to weave his own narrative threads into Shelley’s original story.
Crafting the Screenplay
The screenplay process took around three and a half years. Initially, the project was under Universal, but conversations with actor Oscar Isaac sparked new creative directions. Del Toro aimed to showcase both the father-son dynamic and the importance of forgiveness.
- Collaboration with Oscar Isaac: Influential in shaping the screenplay
- Core Themes: Fatherhood, forgiveness, and acceptance
Character Development and Design
The physical portrayal of the creature was a collaborative effort involving makeup artist Mike Hill. Del Toro emphasized the importance of character over mere horror, aspiring to present the creature as a tragic figure. The design intent was not to depict a monster but to symbolize an emerging soul.
Symbolism and Meaning
Del Toro believes Frankenstein transcends singular interpretations. His adaptation addresses humanity and the essential quest for acceptance and forgiveness, particularly in today’s world.
Homage to Mary Shelley
While working on the film, del Toro pondered what Shelley would think of his interpretation. He expressed a longing to share tea with her, acknowledging her profound influence on his life and work.
- Admiration for Mary Shelley: Lifelong dedication to her work and the romantic movement
- Symbol of Frankenstein Today: An exploration of what it means to be human
The film culminates as a homage to both Shelley and del Toro’s own experiences with family and legacy. Through a careful adaptation, he pays respect to the original work while infusing it with contemporary relevance.
Final Thoughts
In creating this film, del Toro hopes to honor not just Shelley’s legacy but also his own father’s influence on his artistic journey. Emphasizing kindness and understanding, he believes that storytelling serves as a bridge between generations.
