Guillermo del Toro’s long-awaited adaptation of *Frankenstein* is finally making waves at the Venice Film Festival. This project has been dear to him for years, a dream he’s nurtured since childhood.
Del Toro’s vision aims to breathe new life into the classic story. He has crafted a world that blends beauty and horror, echoing the themes of the original 1818 novel by Mary Shelley. The film features Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the creature. Isaac describes del Toro’s approach as a lavish banquet, inviting all to indulge in storytelling.
Del Toro has a history of humanizing monsters, allowing audiences to empathize with characters traditionally seen as villains. He believes the creature in *Frankenstein* should embody beauty rather than just grotesqueness. “I wanted the creature to be newborn,” he explains, emphasizing a fresh take on the character.
According to recent reviews, *Frankenstein* unfolds in three parts: a prologue, followed by perspectives from Frankenstein and his creation. It explores their backstories, highlighting the complexities of creation and parental responsibility. Despite mixed critiques, many agree that the film successfully utilizes its 149-minute runtime to delve into character development.
Critics have varied opinions on the execution. Some praise del Toro’s artistry, suggesting he brilliantly captures the essence of classic Hollywood filmmaking. Others argue the film lacks the depth necessary to make a lasting impact, with comments that it falls short of his previous work.
Del Toro emphasizes the importance of using real sets over CGI, believing it fosters a stronger performance from the cast. He describes CGI as “eye candy,” while physical sets offer “eye protein.” This focus on realism gives the film a tangible quality that enhances its emotional depth.
The challenges of the Hollywood labor strikes influenced casting changes, with Elordi stepping in for Andrew Garfield at the last minute. Elordi shares his excitement about joining the project, calling it a dream come true, even if he had limited time to prepare.
Del Toro also addresses modern concerns, stating that the film is not a metaphor for artificial intelligence, despite what some believe. For him, the central theme revolves around what it means to be human in a time filled with fear and complexity. “Art is about love,” he asserts, highlighting the need for empathy in today’s world.
This film, with its grand ambitions and deep-rooted themes, promises to stir conversation and spark emotion, much like Shelley’s original tale has done for generations. As it captures the struggle for humanity amidst monstrosity, *Frankenstein* is set to leave a lasting impression on audiences.