Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’: His Final Monster Movie with Netflix?

Guillermo del Toro’s fascination with Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” has profoundly influenced his career. This connection began when he was just 11 years old, as he explored themes related to his childhood, including his father and Catholicism. Del Toro views Shelley’s work as a medium to question existence and humanity.

Del Toro’s Tribute to Shelley

A testament to his admiration for Shelley, del Toro dedicated a room in his Los Angeles home to her legacy. This room houses a life-size silicon model of the author at her desk and features various movie representations of Frankenstein’s monster, including eight statues. Throughout his filmmaking journey, del Toro often infused elements from “Frankenstein” into his projects.

Influence on Del Toro’s Films

Del Toro’s films frequently echo the “Frankenstein” theme. For instance:

• Cronos: Heavily inspired by Shelley’s narrative, featuring a character with a distinctive Frankenstein scar.
• Blade II: The villain Nomack questions his creation by his father, reminiscent of the original tale.
• Hellboy: Contains elements that can be linked to Frankenstein’s themes.
• Mimic: Describes creatures as “Little Frankensteins,” emphasizing the experimentation gone wrong.

Creating the Perfect Monster

Del Toro’s ambition to create Victor Frankenstein’s ultimate monster came to fruition during filming. Featuring Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the monster, del Toro experienced a transformative moment on set. He shared a connection with Isaac during a pivotal scene where the monster was assembled. This moment marked a significant shift for the filmmaker, reflecting his long-held dreams of bringing this iconic story to life.

Future Filmmaking Directions

Despite his deep-rooted connection to monsters, del Toro hinted at exploring new directions in his filmmaking. He is currently working on a stop-motion animated adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Buried Giant,” which includes creatures but represents a shift in his narrative focus. Del Toro has expressed an interest in stepping away from traditional monster tales.

Cinematic Evolution

Throughout his career, del Toro has honed his craft in camera movement and visual storytelling. In his recent films, he has utilized technocranes to achieve precise emotional rhythms. He seeks to blend his established style with a raw, 1970s grit, drawing inspiration from directors like Sidney Lumet and Roman Polanski.

Age and Artistic Growth

At 61, del Toro acknowledges that aging influences his artistry. He aims to diversify his filmmaking approach, inspired by David Cronenberg’s shift to grounded storytelling. Del Toro aspires to push boundaries while maintaining his distinct voice in cinema.

For more insights, listen to Guillermo del Toro’s complete interview on the Filmmaker Toolkit podcast, available on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred platform.