Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein recently made waves at the Toronto International Film Festival, showcasing thrilling insights from the director and leading actors Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi. In a captivating conversation with the Ankler, they shared details about the film’s unique production process, highlighting Elordi’s standout performance as the creature.
Del Toro praised Elordi’s interpretation of the monster as “staggeringly beautiful.” This depth came from months of research into child development, Mary Shelley’s work, and even the Japanese dance-theater form known as butoh.
Understanding Elordi’s Unique Approach
Del Toro attributed their creative discussions to forming a “common language” that allowed the film to express itself. He noted the intriguing choice of having Elordi wear two different-sized contact lenses, symbolizing the character’s composite nature. He explained, “Listening to things going in a way you don’t expect them, it’s actually a movie telling you what it wants to be.”
How Did Jacob Elordi Get Involved with Frankenstein?
Elordi felt destined for Frankenstein since he first spotted the back cover of Pan’s Labyrinth at Blockbuster. He recalled discussing his aspirations with his hairdresser, a member of the Frankenstein team, even before he officially landed the role after Andrew Garfield’s scheduling conflicts forced a change. Coming in later than others, Elordi recognized that del Toro had to take the reins, as many of his decisions felt instinctive and soul-driven.
The Collaboration Between Isaac and Del Toro
Elordi’s trust in del Toro was echoed by Isaac, who described the filming experience as a process of “listening to what the movie’s saying.” He shared an anecdote about reshooting a scene; after feeling it didn’t represent his character authentically, he conveyed his thoughts to del Toro. This led to a reimagined scene that resonated more profoundly with the film’s themes of father-son dynamics.
When Will Frankenstein Be Released?
Frankenstein is set to arrive in select theaters on October 17, followed by a Netflix release on November 7.
Curious to know how Frankenstein compares to other recent adaptations? Del Toro’s vision uniquely blends traditional storytelling with modern themes, making it a must-watch for both fans of horror and literary adaptations.
What are the critical themes explored in Frankenstein? The film delves into father-son relationships, identity, and the inherently human struggle between creation and destruction.
How has Guillermo del Toro approached character development in Frankenstein? Del Toro’s method combines deep research and creative freedom, resulting in rich character portrayals that speak volumes to audiences.
Is Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of the creature expected to attract a younger audience? Elordi’s relatable performance and the film’s modern interpretation may resonate significantly with younger viewers, drawing them into the timeless story.
For fans eager to explore more about the film industry and upcoming releases, continued engagement with platforms like Moyens I/O can keep you updated on what’s next.