Guillermo del Toro has shared exciting details about his upcoming adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” during a conversation at the Cannes Film Festival. The acclaimed director emphasized that his version will be an “incredibly emotional” movie rather than a traditional horror film. “Somebody asked me the other day, does it have really scary scenes?” del Toro said.
“For the first time, I considered that. It’s an emotional story for me. It’s as personal as anything.
I’m asking a question about being a father, being a son… I’m not doing a horror movie — ever. I’m not trying to do that.”
Del Toro is collaborating with Oscar-winning composer Alexandre Desplat on the film’s score.
Del Toro’s emotional Frankenstein approach
Desplat, who has previously worked with del Toro on “The Shape of Water” and “Pinocchio,” noted that their adaptation will focus on emotional depth rather than scares. “Guillermo’s cinema is very lyrical, and my music is rather lyrical too,” Desplat said. “So I think the music of ‘Frankenstein’ will be something very lyrical and emotional… I’m not trying to write horrific music.”
Del Toro added, “We’re finding the emotion.
And what I can say is, for me, it’s an incredibly emotional movie.”
In del Toro’s films, he often empathizes with creatures typically portrayed as monsters by other filmmakers. “In ‘The Shape of Water,’ the creature is frightening during the first 15 minutes and then becomes a very moving character,” noted Desplat. “Frankenstein” stars Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, and Mia Goth.
The film will be released on Netflix this fall. Del Toro’s unique approach to the classic story promises to deliver a fresh perspective, focusing on the complex emotional relationships between the characters rather than relying on traditional horror elements. Fans can look forward to a deeply moving adaptation that explores themes of fatherhood, acceptance, and the human condition.
