New York, Aug 26 (AP) On the first day of filming "Frankenstein," director Guillermo del Toro presented a drawing of the creature, one he had sketched as a teen.
"He said, 'This is like Jesus to me,'" recounts actor Oscar Isaac.
For del Toro, the Mexican-born filmmaker, Mary Shelley's 1818 novel and the 1931 film with Boris Karloff are foundational texts. His passion for these stories has shaped his film career, filled with empathetic monsters born from pages of sketches.
Growing up Catholic and feeling misunderstood, del Toro identified deeply with Frankenstein's creature—a being unloved by his creator but portrayed with empathy by Karloff.
"I felt I was born into an unforgiving world," says del Toro. "The moment Karloff crosses the threshold backward and turns, it was like my Damascus moment." He saw himself in the creature, a revelation he describes as an offer of forgiveness for imperfection.
Netflix will release "Frankenstein" in theaters on October 17 and on streaming November 7. This project feels like the culmination of del Toro's artistic journey, a film he's prepared for over 30 years.
Del Toro first experienced the 1931 film at age seven and read Shelley's book by eleven. Monsters, to him, became more than narrative tools; they formed a personal belief system.
Two decades ago, he discussed creating a "Miltonian" adaptation of Shelley's novel. Time has refined his understanding. Initially identifying with the creature, parenthood allowed him to sympathize with Dr. Frankenstein.
"The book changes with you," he says. "So does the movie. You feel you've been dreaming about it forever."
Oscar Isaac plays Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi as the monster. Isaac first met del Toro without discussing any projects. Their conversation naturally led to Isaac's casting as Victor.
"By the end of that talk, he said, 'I want you to be my Victor,'" Isaac shares. Del Toro then handed him Shelley's "Frankenstein" and the "Tao Te Ching," asking him to read both.
This collaboration was Isaac's first with del Toro, evoking memories of working with the Coen brothers on "Inside Llewyn Davis."
"It felt communal like a family building something together," Isaac notes.
Netflix, alongside producers J Miles Dale and Scott Stuber, predicts "Frankenstein" will be a major fall release. It premieres at the Venice Film Festival, followed by the Toronto International Film Festival.
Del Toro's previous work, "Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio," earned Netflix a best animated film Oscar. His 2018 film "The Shape of Water" won best picture. Expectations are high for "Frankenstein's" awards potential.
Despite more than a hundred past adaptations, none in recent years have significantly resonated. Del Toro's unique passion promises depth and originality in his "Frankenstein."
"Like Joe Cocker covering 'With a Little Help From My Friends,' all you have is your voice," del Toro explains.
Del Toro's adaptation remains true to Shelley, avoiding simplistic portrayals. Victor Frankenstein is envisioned less as a mad scientist, more as an innovative artist. To capture this, Isaac drew inspiration, particularly from an R&B icon.
"For a scene, watching a Prince rehearsal informed how I saw Victor's ownership of his lab," reveals Isaac.
Del Toro, aged 60, finds reflections of himself in both Frankenstein and his creation. He understands the complexity of both perspectives.
"Since 'Nightmare Alley,' I see protagonists and antagonists as potentially the same," del Toro notes. "Experience reveals life's paradoxes."
It's tempting to view del Toro as a modern Victor Frankenstein—creator of cinematic monsters. Yet, despite his lengthy contemplation of this film, he avoided imposing his will, preferring to nurture its organic development.
"Unlike the doctor, I now listen. Filmmaking isn't dictation," del Toro concludes. "With age, you discover film is not a battle with reality." (AP) RB RB
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