Guillermo del Toro Brings 'Frankenstein' to the Screen

New Delhi, Oct 9 (PTI) Guillermo del Toro, the Oscar-winning director known for his fascination with monsters, is set to bring his dream project, "Frankenstein," to the screen. Although Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's tale of the scientist and his unsettling creation comes from the 19th century, del Toro believes the story is more relevant than ever in reflecting the modern world.

The filmmaker explains that "Frankenstein" delves into themes like the devastation of war, the arrogance of science surpassing human emotion, and the inability to hear dissenting perspectives—all of which remain pertinent today. "This is a very truthful movie for me, and it is about today," del Toro shared in a Zoom interview with PTI. He adds that horror as a genre is especially adept at mirroring the era in which it is made.

Known for cinematic masterpieces such as "Pan's Labyrinth," "The Shape of Water," and "Pinocchio," del Toro emphasized that a filmmaker's primary responsibility is to reflect their current world and personal feelings. In "Frankenstein," Jacob Elordi stars as the monster alongside a talented cast including Oscar Isaac, Christoph Waltz, and Mia Goth. The film is set to premiere in select theaters on October 17 and will be available on Netflix starting November 17.

Del Toro admits that he's nurtured a deep affection for Mary Shelley's iconic creation since childhood, making it incredibly satisfying to finally bring the story to life, surpassing even his own expectations. His previous works have all been a preparation for this moment. "I’m very happy that it came out exceeding what I hoped it would be," he said, noting serendipitous casting choices like Jacob Elordi as blessings for the film.

Drawing inspiration from Gothic literature and the Romantic movement of the 19th century, del Toro incorporates influences from figures like Henry Fuseli, Casper David Friedrich, John Milton, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Furthermore, the film pays homage to Mary Shelley's circle, including P. B. Shelley and Lord Byron, echoing the circumstances under which "Frankenstein" was originally conceived during a summer in Switzerland. It opens and closes with a poignant quote from Lord Byron, encapsulating themes of living amidst imperfect conditions, forgiveness, and kindness.

Del Toro's exploration of what it means to be human—acknowledging imperfection, making mistakes, and navigating life with kindness—is a recurring theme in his work. "I'm very afraid of people that want to always be right," he admits, asserting that uncertainty and questioning are at the heart of intelligence.

In his adaptation, Victor Frankenstein represents those with immense intelligence yet misguided focus, asking the wrong questions. When faced with life's ultimate questions, del Toro suggests, "Why do we die? To live." Through this, the film ponders the duality of creation and destruction, concluding that Victor serves, not an angel of life, but an angel of death.

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