The familiar monster of Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ - Detroit Metro Times

For Guillermo del Toro, monsters are never just terrifying creatures; they're mirrors held up to humanity's darkest selves. In his films, the underdog monster is often the product of our collective fear and inhumanity, yet del Toro humanizes them by making us empathize with their plight. Take, for instance, the selfless superhero from Hellboy, the orphaned girl in Pan's Labyrinth, or even Pinocchio - each character serves as a twisted reflection of ourselves, prompting us to confront our own darkness and vulnerabilities.

Del Toro has always been drawn to the misunderstood monster, and his latest adaptation, Frankenstein, is no exception. Having been trying to bring this classic tale to life since 2007, del Toro has finally put his stamp on Mary Shelley's iconic story. With Frankenstein released as a Netflix original, it's clear why he was so passionate about reimagining the classic - for him, it's not just about retelling a beloved tale but crafting an experience that transcends time.

Frankenstein is del Toro's magnum opus, a sweeping narrative that feels both faithful to its source material and uniquely his own. The film boasts stunning production design, atmospheric cinematography, and gorgeous sets - all elements that showcase del Toro's masterful storytelling. Yet, it's this very familiarity that makes the film feel somewhat underwhelming; we're too close to this story, and our expectations might be clouded by the countless adaptations that have come before.

The real challenge lies in creating a new perspective on an age-old tale, one that doesn't merely pay homage but reinvents its essence. Oscar Isaac's portrayal of Victor Frankenstein is somewhat one-dimensional, while Jacob Elordi's monster feels more like a design choice than a fully fleshed-out character. It's a minor quibble, though - del Toro's vision shines through in the overall atmosphere and tone of the film.

Here's the thing: Guillermo del Toro is not just a filmmaker; he's an artist, a showman who invites us behind the curtain to witness his creative process. He doesn't seek immediate acclaim but instead crafts works that will stand the test of time - much like the masters of cinema's past. With Frankenstein, del Toro has cemented his status as one of the greatest filmmakers working today.

As with Pinocchio, del Toro's Frankenstein feels more like a parting gift for future generations rather than an immediate hit. The question remains: does he truly achieve the same level of timeless greatness that comes with adapting these iconic tales? Only time will tell, but for now, we're left to ponder the haunting beauty and tragic pathos of del Toro's Frankenstein.

I'm not sure if I love it or overhyped . The thing is, Guillermo del Toro has a reputation for creating this emotional connection with his audience, but in Frankenstein, some characters feel kinda flat, like you said Oscar Isaac's Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi's monster could be improved upon . Del Toro talks about wanting to create an experience that transcends time, but I think what we're left with is a film that's familiar yet doesn't really bring anything new to the table . The production design and cinematography are stunning though, no doubt about it

so i think what bothers me about frankensteins is how it feels like a remake rather than an entirely new take... idk if its just coz im used to del torros unique style but the way he approaches his stories, you can always tell hes putting somethin new into it. and yeah, oscars portrayal of victor frankenstein did feel kinda one-dimensionally portrayed lol. but omg the sets in this thing tho! its like steppin into a whole different world

Guillermo del Toro is like a master craftsman, he's all about creating something special from his imagination... He wants you to see behind the scenes, to feel the emotions and the passion that goes into every frame, not just the finished product. And I think that's what makes Frankenstein so beautiful, it's like a work of art, a masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come

The thing is, sometimes we just need to be reminded of our own darkness, and del Toro does that in spades... his monsters are never just terrifying, they're complex, they're human. And that's what makes Frankenstein so hauntingly beautiful... It's not just a story about creation, but also about the consequences of playing God.

So yeah, maybe Oscar Isaac or Jacob Elordi aren't the most well-developed characters... but that's not the point! The point is, del Toro has created something truly special here, something that will leave you feeling all the feels long after the credits roll... And that's what makes him a true artist.

I think it's crazy how much depth del Toro brings to his monster characters , they're not just terrifying creatures, but actually mirror our own darkness. His vision is so masterful that you can feel like you're being pulled into his world. But, at the same time, I do feel like some of the characters in Frankenstein are a bit one-dimensional, especially Victor Frankenstein . Still, del Toro's storytelling shines through and it's clear he was going for something bigger than just a straightforward adaptation. What really gets me is how he invites us to look behind the curtain and see his creative process - that's what makes him such an artist in my opinion

im loving frankensteins cinematography it totally brought me chills at some parts!!! i think what makes del toro's take special is how he explores the emotions of victor frankenstein, like his obsession with creation and his own guilt over his discovery his passion for storytelling really shines through in this film

I think Guillermo del Toro is a genius . I mean, have you seen his movies? He has this way of making monsters that are both terrifying and relatable at the same time. But what I love about him is how he always tries to give these characters depth and humanity. In Frankenstein, it's like you can feel the weight of Victor's guilt and the monster's longing for connection. The production design and cinematography in this film are stunning - it's like stepping into a different world . My only minor complaint is that some characters feel a bit one-dimensional, but overall, del Toro's vision shines through and makes you feel all the feels . Can't wait to see what he does next!

I think it's refreshing to see a director like Guillermo del Toro take on classic stories and put his own spin on them . The way he humanizes these "monsters" by making us empathize with their plight is so cleverly done, it makes you reevaluate your perception of what it means to be "othered". His use of production design, cinematography, and sets in Frankenstein is simply breathtaking, but I agree that the film might feel a tad underwhelming due to its familiarity . I'm still not entirely convinced about Oscar Isaac's portrayal of Victor Frankenstein, but Jacob Elordi's monster has some interesting depth to it... nonetheless, del Toro's vision shines through in the end . As an artist, he's always been more concerned with crafting a timeless work than seeking immediate accolades - I think that's what makes his films so remarkable .

omg I'm low-key obsessed w/ del toro's new frankenstein!!! he's like a genius or watever lol his storytelling is so on point and i love how he makes monsters relatable it's not just about scaring the audience, it's about humanizing them. the production design in this film is insane btw! but idk if it's his magnum opus yet? victor frankenstein feels a bit one-dimension to me and the monster could've been more fleshed out but overall del toro's vision shines through and i'm so here for the atmosphere and tone of the film what do u guys think tho?

I gotta say, I was really hyped about this adaptation, you know? Del Toro always knows how to bring out the best in his characters... or should I say, monsters . But for me, it felt like he stuck too close to the original, you feel? Like, we've seen this story a million times before, and it's hard to shake off that familiar vibe .

And yeah, Oscar Isaac was kinda underwhelming as Victor Frankenstein... I mean, I get what del Toro was going for, but it felt like they missed an opportunity to make him more complex, you know? And Jacob Elordi's monster was just so one-dimensionally evil, it made me want to roll my eyes .

But for real though, the atmosphere and tone of this film were everything. It was like del Toro took all these classic elements and infused them with his own magic . I loved how he poked fun at our expectations of what Frankenstein should be... that's where the real genius comes in, you know?

i mean, del toro gets it right, as per usual - monsters are literally just us in a different form. but, idk, the cast kinda falls flat? pinocchio is still my fave tho, no one beats robert downton for geppetto . and, yeah, his vision is always top notch, but sometimes you feel like he's trying too hard to make it all majestic & eerie... it's like he's wearing a cape in the making of process videos

Frankenstein is like that one old friend who just doesn't age well ... I mean, don't get me wrong, it's still a masterpiece, but it's like looking at an old photo album – you love the memories, but the pictures are starting to yellow with time . Del Toro's vision is so unique and beautiful that it's hard not to get lost in it, but sometimes I feel like he's trying too hard to make us care about the monster ... like, Jacob Elordi's performance is just a little too on-the-nose for me . Still, del Toro's got that magic touch – he makes you feel all the feels without even trying . And can we talk about the sets and production design? STUNNING ! It's like stepping into a fairy tale (minus the happily ever after part, sadly) . Anyway, I'm not sure if Frankenstein is his magnum opus yet... but it's definitely up there . Can't wait to see what he comes up with next !

I just saw this adorable video of a cat playing the piano and I was like, totally mesmerized... I mean, have you ever watched a cat do that? It's like they're trying to create their own version of Frankenstein's monster, but with paws instead of limbs! And it got me thinking, what if Guillermo del Toro were to make a film about a cat who becomes a piano-playing mastermind? I mean, the possibilities are endless... we could have a cat who uses its musical talents to create a new form of communication with humans, or maybe even discover a hidden talent for monster-making! And can you imagine the sets and production design? It would be like stepping into a Victorian-era laboratory!

just watched frankenstein on netflix ️... i gotta say, it's like del toro is trying to show us our own reflections in those monster eyes . he's got this amazing ability to humanize the creatures that are supposed to be scary, you know? but at the same time, it feels kinda underwhelming because we're all so used to seeing these stories before . i mean, victor frankenstein's character is a bit one-dimensional if u ask me, and the monster... well, he's just there, design-wise . still, del toro's vision shines through, and that atmosphere and tone? it gives me chills every time. honestly, i think what makes his films special is that he invites us to be a part of the process, like we're watching him make art . so even if frankenstein doesn't blow us away right now, i know it's gonna stand the test of time

I gotta say , Guillermo del Toro is on a roll ! His take on Frankenstein is so beautifully done, it feels like a masterclass in storytelling . The way he weaves together the classic tale with his own unique twist is pure magic . I mean, who wouldn't want to see Pinocchio and Hellboy on screen again? It's clear that del Toro has always been drawn to the misunderstood monster, and this film is no exception .

But what really gets me is how he makes you feel for these characters . The way the underdog monster is humanized, it's like they're speaking straight to your soul . I gotta say, Oscar Isaac's Victor Frankenstein is kinda meh , but Jacob Elordi's monster is more like a design choice than an actual character... still, del Toro makes it work .

What I love about del Toro's films is that they're not just entertainment, but an experience . He invites you behind the curtain to witness his creative process . And honestly, Frankenstein feels like a parting gift for future generations . It's only a matter of time before we see if it achieves timeless greatness . Until then, I'm still reeling from the haunting beauty and tragic pathos of this film .

I'm low-key impressed by del Toro's vision, but high-key underwhelmed by the execution . I mean, who needs a one-dimensional Victor Frankenstein when you've got, like, entire universes to explore? Still, del Toro's attention to detail and commitment to atmosphere is truly commendable - that production design tho! But let's be real, we're talking about the OG Frankenstein here; it's hard to top Mary Shelley's classic. And what's with the Netflix release? Trying to recapture the magic of Pinocchio, maybe?

I think what really draws me to del Toro's Frankenstein is how it taps into our collective fear of being misunderstood and creating something that's beyond our control . I mean, who hasn't felt like a monster at some point in their lives? The way he humanizes the creature by making us empathize with its situation is so cleverly done. But what I'm curious about is how this film will be perceived by future generations – will it become a classic like Pinocchio or will it get lost in time?

I'm so stoked that Guillermo del Toro is finally bringing his unique spin to Frankenstein ️... but at the same time, I'm kinda disappointed it didn't quite live up to my expectations . I mean, who doesn't love a good monster story, and del Toro's always been a master of making us feel for these creatures? But with Oscar Isaac's Victor Frankenstein being a bit one-dimensional and Jacob Elordi's monster feeling like more of a design choice than a fully fleshed-out character... it just feels like we've seen this before .

Still, del Toro's vision shines through in the atmosphere and tone of the film, which is totally on point . And let's be real, his production design and cinematography are simply stunning . It's clear he's put his heart and soul into this adaptation... but I think what really sets him apart from other filmmakers is that he invites us to witness his creative process behind the scenes .

As much as I loved Pinocchio and Pan's Labyrinth, Frankenstein feels like a parting gift for future generations rather than an immediate hit . Which makes me wonder... does del Toro truly achieve the same level of timeless greatness that comes with adapting these iconic tales? Only time will tell, but for now, I'm just gonna sit back and appreciate the haunting beauty and tragic pathos of his Frankenstein

I think what I love about Guillermo del Toro's films is how they make you feel like you're part of this dark fantasy world ... I mean, who wouldn't want to see a monster come to life on screen? But for me, the thing that sets him apart from other filmmakers is how he takes these classic stories and makes them your own... it's like you're seeing them through his eyes, but also feeling like you're reliving someone else's nightmare

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about Frankenstein at first - I mean, we've seen so many adaptations of that story before ... but del Toro really outdid himself with this one. The production design and cinematography are insane , and his use of lighting is just masterful... but what really gets me is how he balances the darker moments with these beautiful, poignant scenes that make you feel like you're witnessing something truly special

My only real complaint would be that some characters feel a bit one-dimensional, like Oscar Isaac's Victor Frankenstein or Jacob Elordi's monster ... but overall, I think del Toro's vision really shines through in the end. And let's be real - this guy is a genius ... he's got this ability to craft worlds that are both hauntingly beautiful and utterly terrifying at the same time. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

I think del Toro did a pretty solid job on this one, but gotta say, I was expecting more from Oscar Isaac's performance . The guy who played Pinocchio was way better in my book . Still, it's the story that matters here and del Toro definitely brought his A-game with the production design and atmosphere . It feels like he's trying to make us empathize with these monsters again, you know? But I'm not sure if he nailed the whole "timeless greatness" thing just yet... maybe next time