What's happened
Guillermo del Toro's new adaptation of 'Frankenstein' is a handcrafted, epic film blending old-school Hollywood craft with modern storytelling. It explores themes of creation, monsters, and kinship, featuring a unique creature design that departs from classic mechanical aesthetics. The film is set for release in theaters and on Netflix.
What's behind the headline?
The film's emphasis on old-school craftsmanship signifies a deliberate move away from CGI-heavy effects, aiming to evoke a visceral, tactile experience. Del Toro's focus on the creature's soul, avoiding mechanical parts, reflects a deeper philosophical approach to the monster archetype, emphasizing empathy over horror. This approach will likely resonate with audiences seeking more meaningful horror, but risks alienating viewers expecting conventional gore or spectacle.
The collaboration with veteran creature designers and artisans underscores a broader trend in filmmaking that values artisanal craftsmanship, potentially setting a new standard for creature features. The film's thematic exploration of creation and kinship aligns with del Toro's previous work, suggesting a consistent auteur vision.
Given the film's high budget and detailed craftsmanship, its success will depend on how well it balances artistic integrity with audience engagement. It is poised to appeal to cinephiles and fans of gothic horror, but its impact on mainstream audiences remains uncertain. Overall, this film will likely influence future horror and fantasy productions to prioritize tactile effects and emotional depth.
What the papers say
The Scotsman highlights the film's handcrafted approach, emphasizing the collaboration of artisans and the departure from traditional mechanical monster designs. The article notes del Toro's intent to honor the 'frenzied spirit of creation' and the importance of visual coherence.
The Independent echoes this sentiment, describing the film as a 'feast of filmmaking arts' with massive sets and handcrafted props, aiming to evoke a sense of realism and soul in the creature. Both sources praise the artistic ambition but suggest that the film's reliance on style may overshadow narrative depth.
AP News offers a broader perspective, framing the film as a metaphor for filmmaking itself—an art stitched together from various elements. It underscores del Toro's desire for a 'handmade movie of epic scale,' emphasizing the craftsmanship involved. The article also notes the film's themes of creation, fathers and sons, and innocence, aligning with del Toro's artistic ethos.
Contrasting opinions are minimal, but the common thread is the film's focus on artisanal craftsmanship and emotional depth, which may appeal more to cinephiles than mainstream audiences expecting conventional horror thrills.
How we got here
Del Toro's 'Frankenstein' is a new adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel, developed with a focus on traditional Hollywood craftsmanship. The film features massive sets, handcrafted costumes, and creature design, aiming to honor the novel's themes of creation and rebellion. It is a $120 million production set for theatrical release and streaming.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Jacob Elordi (born 26 June 1997) is an Australian actor. He rose to prominence with his role as Noah Flynn in Netflix's The Kissing Booth franchise (2018–2021) and earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of Nate Jacobs in the HBO drama series Euphoria
-
Guillermo del Toro Gómez (Spanish: [ɡiˈʝeɾmo ðel ˈtoɾo]; born 9 October 1964) is a Mexican filmmaker, author, and artist. His work has been characterized by a strong connection to fairy tales, gothicism and horror, often blending the genres, with
-
Óscar Isaac Hernández Estrada is a Guatemalan-American actor who has played lead film roles in the tragicomedy Inside Llewyn Davis, for which he received a Golden Globe Award nomination, the crime drama A Most Violent Year, and the science fiction thril
-
Alexandre Michel Gérard Desplat is a French film composer and conductor. He has won many awards, including two Academy Awards, for his musical scores to the films The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Shape of Water, and has received nine additional Academy A
-
Kate Hawley is a New Zealand set and costume designer who works on film and stage productions. In film she designed the costumes for Crimson Peak and Mortal Engines.
-
Mia Gypsy Mello da Silva Goth is an English actress and model. Goth began her career modelling while a teenager, and made her film debut in Lars von Trier's Nymphomaniac.
-
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was an English novelist who wrote the Gothic novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, which is considered an early example of science fiction.