Film Director Del Toro unwilling to abandon his "Frankenstein" project
Guillermo del Toro, the acclaimed director who won the Best Picture Oscar for "The Shape of Water" in 2018, is back with a new adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic masterpiece, "Frankenstein." The film is making waves at the Venice Film Festival, competing for the Golden Lion, the festival's top prize.
Del Toro, who also produced the film alongside J. Miles Dale, has been dreaming about making this film since he was a child. The Gothic spectacle, with its no-holds-barred visuals, includes an imposing tower for experiments and gruesome anatomical parts for the creature's stitching.
Oscar Isaac stars as Victor Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi as his creation. In the film, Victor tells his creation, "In you I have created something horrible." The film explores themes of humanity, vengeance, unbridled will, and the aftermath of all-consuming hubris.
The latest adaptation of "Frankenstein" is not the first time the story has graced the silver screen. Kenneth Branagh directed a previous adaptation in 1994. Mel Brooks also made a spoof of the story in 1974 with "Young Frankenstein."
While the film is generating much excitement, the festival has also been the site of protests. Several thousand protesters marched against Israel's siege of Gaza on the sidelines of the festival. An open letter denouncing the Israeli government and calling on the festival to speak out about the Gaza war has garnered over 2,000 signatures from film professionals.
The Hollywood Reporter has given the film an early rave review, describing it as "emotionally charged" and transcending horror. Del Toro views his film as an exploration of what it means to be human.
Meanwhile, "Below the Clouds," a black-and-white rendering of the gritty Italian port of Naples by Gianfranco Rosi, and "The Last Viking," a darkly comic drama about mental health and identity politics, featuring Mads Mikkelsen, are also screening at the festival.
The Netflix-produced film will have a limited theatrical release in October and will stream on the platform in November. With its compelling storyline, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes, Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" is sure to be a must-watch this autumn.
