Guillermo del Toro on ‘Frankenstein’: Why He Sees AI as Less Threatening Than Human Ignorance

It’s alive! Yes, you heard that right. Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” is making its debut at the Venice Film Festival, and it’s not just another warning about artificial intelligence.

Starring Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, this film tells the story of a brilliant but arrogant scientist who brings a creature to life. The outcome? A dramatic clash that leads to doom for both creator and creation. While it raises themes of ambition and the impact of technology, del Toro insists it isn’t a commentary on AI specifically.

In his own words, “It’s not intended as a metaphor.” He believes we live in challenging times that push us toward division. His film aims to showcase flawed humanity and the right we have to navigate our imperfections, especially during tough moments. He humorously added, “I’m not afraid of artificial intelligence. I’m afraid of natural stupidity.”

Mary Shelley’s original tale has seen many screen adaptations, the most famous being the 1931 version with Boris Karloff. Del Toro’s take transforms this horror story into a rich family drama. Bringing his vision to life was a dream that started in his childhood.

He shared, “I’ve been following the creature since I was a kid.” After years of anticipation, he joked about feeling “postpartum depression” now that the film is complete.

When asked who represents a monster in today’s world, Elordi didn’t hesitate: “Men in suits.” Del Toro chimed in with a laugh, commenting, “Very well tailored ones.”

Oscar Isaac reflected on how two years ago, he and del Toro casually discussed personal stories over a meal. Now, he feels privileged to play Victor Frankenstein.

With a hefty budget of $120 million, “Frankenstein” is not just another movie; it’s vying for the prestigious Golden Lion, an award del Toro won for “The Shape of Water” in 2017. Along with Elordi and Isaac, the press conference featured co-stars Christoph Waltz, Mia Goth, and composer Alexandre Desplat.

Netflix is releasing the film, which means it will have a limited three-week theater run before heading to the streaming service. Del Toro seems unfazed by the short theatrical window. He noted, “You never know what’s going to happen” in today’s cinematic landscape. Reflecting on his previous film, “Nightmare Alley,” which faced tough competition and low box office performance during its release, he acknowledged the unpredictability of theater success.

Ultimately, he believes reaching a broad audience—up to 300 million on Netflix—allows filmmakers to create experiences that resonate while still honoring the big screen.

In a world that’s rapidly changing, del Toro’s “Frankenstein” offers a fresh lens through which we can explore themes of humanity, technology, and the nature of our fears. For more insights on the impact of film and technology today, check out this research from the Pew Research Center.

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Frankenstein,Guillermo Del Toro,Jacob Elordi,Venice Film Festival