Guillermo del Toro, the three-time Oscar-winning director known for his visual storytelling, has tackled the legendary gothic novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. The film, produced by Double Dare You (DDY), Demilo Films, and Bluegrass Films, promises a fresh take on a well-worn classic. Del Toro’s passion for the source material, as well as his affinity for imperfect creatures, makes him the perfect director to bring this iconic story to modern audiences.
Del Toro, who won an Oscar for The Shape of Water and Pinocchio, proves once again that he is not just a master of fantasy and horror but also an expert at weaving stories that explore humanity’s most complex emotions, including obsession, creation, and the search for forgiveness. His adaptation of Frankenstein takes the essence of the original novel and brings it to life through stunning visuals, a compelling cast, and his unique style.
Overview of Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein stays true to the essence of Mary Shelley’s novel while infusing it with modern sensibilities and deeper emotional explorations. The movie focuses on the ambitious and morally conflicted scientist Victor Frankenstein (played by Oscar Isaac) and his creation, The Creature (played by Jacob Elordi), who comes to life after Frankenstein’s relentless experiments.
Key Features:
- Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Lead Cast: Oscar Isaac (Victor Frankenstein), Jacob Elordi (The Creature), Mia Goth (Elizabeth), Christophe Waltz (Harlander)
- Genre: Gothic Horror, Drama
- Release: Currently available for streaming on Netflix
- Themes: Obsession, humanity’s response to imperfection, creation, immortality, and forgiveness.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with Victor Frankenstein’s obsession with creating life. After successfully bringing the Creature to life, Frankenstein is horrified by his creation’s appearance and abilities. Disgusted, he attempts to destroy the Creature, but it escapes into the wild. As the Creature discovers his immortality, he sets out on a collision course with Frankenstein, seeking answers about his existence and purpose.
Cast and Characters: A Masterclass in Performance
Guillermo del Toro’s genius lies not only in his visual storytelling but also in his ability to choose actors who embody the essence of their characters. The casting of Frankenstein brings the characters to life in a way that adds depth and dimension to the classic tale.
Main Cast:
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Victor Frankenstein | Oscar Isaac |
| The Creature | Jacob Elordi |
| Elizabeth | Mia Goth |
| Harlander | Christophe Waltz |
- Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein: Isaac brings his usual brilliance to the role, portraying Frankenstein’s obsessive nature and internal turmoil.
- Jacob Elordi as The Creature: Elordi’s performance captures the innocence and pain of a being rejected by his creator and society.
- Mia Goth as Elizabeth: Goth’s portrayal of the character brings a gothic romance element, blending beauty and sorrow.
Production Design and Visual Aesthetics
As with many of his previous works, Guillermo del Toro’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in Frankenstein. The film features stunning production design, from the laboratory where Frankenstein conducts his experiments to the stormy night of the Creature’s birth.
Set Design:
The set designs in Frankenstein are beautifully executed. The laboratory where Frankenstein creates life is both grand and haunting, evoking a sense of gothic mystery. The stormy night of the Creature’s birth is a climactic scene, with lighting and set details contributing to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Creature Design:
Del Toro’s unique vision shines through in the design of the Creature. Unlike other interpretations, the Creature is a complex character—both tragic and powerful. The makeup and costume work, coupled with Elordi’s performance, bring the Creature’s humanity to the forefront.
Script Alterations and Changes to the Classic Story
While Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein stays true to the core themes of Mary Shelley’s novel, the film includes several changes to the source material, including the introduction of new characters and altered motivations for existing ones.
One of the biggest changes is the inclusion of Harlander, played by Christophe Waltz, and the altered role of Elizabeth (played by Mia Goth), who is portrayed as the fiancée of Victor’s brother. These alterations help streamline the film’s narrative, making it more direct and relatable to modern audiences. Del Toro’s script deviates from the source material, but these changes are made with the intention of creating a more engaging, consistent story.
“By reinventing certain aspects of the original tale, we’re able to explore new angles of Victor’s obsession and The Creature’s search for meaning. These changes allow us to focus on the timeless themes of creation, destruction, and redemption.” — Guillermo del Toro
The Aesthetic and Cinematographic Choices
Despite the film’s many strengths, there are a few drawbacks, particularly in its cinematography. While del Toro’s sets and creature designs are undeniably impressive, the use of CGI and the film’s overall brightness can sometimes distract from the darker, gothic tone of the film.
For instance, the lighting in many of the film’s interior sets feels a bit too bright and overexposed, detracting from the atmosphere that is so crucial in a gothic horror story. Additionally, the CGI used for some of the creature’s actions, especially in animal form, feels more distracting than engaging.
Why Frankenstein Matters?
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is more than just a faithful adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic. It is a modern reimagining of a story that continues to resonate with audiences today. Themes of obsession, creation, and society’s rejection of those who are different remain as relevant as ever, and del Toro brings them into sharp focus.
“This is not just a story about monsters. It’s about what happens when we ignore or reject the humanity in others. It’s a film that asks questions about obsession, immortality, and the consequences of playing God.” — Guillermo del Toro
Key Takeaways:
- Humanity’s Struggle: Del Toro masterfully tackles the internal conflict faced by Victor Frankenstein as he plays God and rejects the responsibility that comes with creation.
- The Creature’s Journey: The Creature’s struggle to find purpose and meaning in an indifferent world is deeply compelling, and Jacob Elordi’s performance elevates this theme.
- Production Value: The film’s production design, creature design, and attention to detail are standout features, showcasing del Toro’s signature style.
Summary
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is a film that stays true to the spirit of Mary Shelley’s novel while adding his own unique spin. While there are some drawbacks, particularly in the film’s use of CGI and lighting, the film is still a beautiful and engaging exploration of the themes of creation, obsession, and redemption. Fans of del Toro’s work will find much to admire in his latest project, which is sure to garner numerous award nominations in the upcoming Oscar season.
FAQs
While del Toro’s Frankenstein stays true to the core themes of Mary Shelley’s novel, it includes several changes to the story and characters, making it a unique adaptation.
Frankenstein is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
The Creature is portrayed by Jacob Elordi, whose performance brings a new depth to the character.
Del Toro’s Frankenstein focuses more on the emotional depth of its characters, exploring themes of obsession, humanity, and redemption, with a stronger emphasis on visual storytelling.
