Del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ Reanimates Classic Tale with a Fresh Twist

As a poet with a penchant for the dramatic, I, Maya Rivers, find myself drawn to the grand, albeit lumbering, monster that is Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’. This cinematic reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic novel had its Canadian premiere at the Toronto International Festival, and I must say, it’s a visually stunning, if occasionally entertaining, take on the timeless tale.

Guillermo del Toro, the Mexican Oscar winner, is known for crafting frightful worlds of dark fantasy, and ‘Frankenstein’ is no exception. The film features a gothic mansion and blood-red costumes reminiscent of his 2015 film ‘Crimson Peak’, as well as a misunderstood creature and an empathetic woman, echoing his 2017 film ‘The Shape of Water’. The action sequences, which include an abundance of explosions, are more akin to his ‘Hellboy’ films. Del Toro’s distinctive style is on full display, but the question remains: does it bring new life to the classic novel?

The film tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, played by Oscar Isaac, a scientist driven mad by his obsession with reviving the dead. His creation, a creature brought to life through stitched body parts and specialized equipment, is portrayed by Jacob Elordi, who brings a sensitive and nuanced performance to the role. The creature’s journey, from its birth to its interactions with Elizabeth, played by Mia Goth, is where the film finds its footing.

One of the most striking aspects of del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ is its visuals. The film’s grand guignol aspect is bloody and fun, with bold costumes that unfurl in the wind. However, some of the computerized special effects, particularly the fires, appear cheap. Despite this, the craftsmanship is generally very fine, and the film’s aesthetic is undeniably captivating.

The plot, while occasionally deviating from Shelley’s original novel, largely follows the familiar narrative. Victor Frankenstein recounts his story to the ship’s captain, from his childhood to his creation of the monster. The creature, in turn, tells its side of the story, including its escape from Frankenstein’s laboratory and its brief stay with a blind man. While del Toro’s take on the story is visually stunning, it sometimes feels like a rehashing of familiar themes rather than a bold reimagining.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ is a film of two halves. The first half is engaging, with a sense of wonder and curiosity driving the narrative. The second half, however, slackens, and the pacing feels a bit slow. Despite this, Elordi’s performance as the creature is a highlight, and his chemistry with Goth is undeniable.

In conclusion, del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ is a visually stunning, if occasionally entertaining, take on the classic novel. While it may not be a bold reimagining, it’s a worthy addition to the ‘Frankenstein’ canon. As the curtain closes on this cinematic retelling, one can’t help but feel that del Toro has, once again, proven himself to be a master of dark fantasy.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed