Guillermo del Toro and Oscar Isaac are bringing a fresh perspective to Mary Shelley's classic tale 'Frankenstein' by infusing their Latin culture into the iconic story. The duo's collaboration, which has been years in the making, is more than just a remake - it's a cultural reimagining that delves deeper into the complexities of patriarchal societies and the struggle for identity.
Del Toro revealed that he and Isaac connected over their shared Latinness from the very beginning, with the director noting how their upbringing influenced his vision for the film. "The patriarchal thing is so strong," Isaac observed, highlighting how this theme plays out differently in Latin cultures. Del Toro nodded in agreement, attributing his take on the story to Mexican melodrama and drama, adding that the swarthy Catholicism of the film was something he determined only from a Latin culture.
Isaac drew parallels between his own experiences as an outsider and Victor's struggle for identity, having faced stereotypes and expectations throughout his career. "The Victor that I really believe would be a fresh Victor is a Victor that had swagger and sensuality and flair," del Toro exclaimed, echoing how Oscar Isaac's presence brought the character to life.
Their connection to their Latin culture also informed the film's visual style, with Isaac recalling specific moments from classic Mexican telenovelas where an actor would dramatically react to emotions. Del Toro acknowledged this influence, describing the epic nature of these scenes as "like a telenovela."
When asked about what makes 'Frankenstein' distinctly Mexican, del Toro confidently replied that his culture permeates his work and can't be denied. When people ask him about the "Mexican" in his movies, he laughs, saying, "Me. Yeah." This unapologetic celebration of his heritage is a testament to the filmmakers' commitment to authenticity.
The film, now in theaters, will be released on Netflix November 7, offering audiences a fresh take on a timeless classic that feels eerily familiar yet refreshingly new. With del Toro and Isaac at the helm, 'Frankenstein' has evolved into something greater than just a retelling of Mary Shelley's novel - it's a deeply personal exploration of identity, culture, and the complexities of human nature.
Del Toro revealed that he and Isaac connected over their shared Latinness from the very beginning, with the director noting how their upbringing influenced his vision for the film. "The patriarchal thing is so strong," Isaac observed, highlighting how this theme plays out differently in Latin cultures. Del Toro nodded in agreement, attributing his take on the story to Mexican melodrama and drama, adding that the swarthy Catholicism of the film was something he determined only from a Latin culture.
Isaac drew parallels between his own experiences as an outsider and Victor's struggle for identity, having faced stereotypes and expectations throughout his career. "The Victor that I really believe would be a fresh Victor is a Victor that had swagger and sensuality and flair," del Toro exclaimed, echoing how Oscar Isaac's presence brought the character to life.
Their connection to their Latin culture also informed the film's visual style, with Isaac recalling specific moments from classic Mexican telenovelas where an actor would dramatically react to emotions. Del Toro acknowledged this influence, describing the epic nature of these scenes as "like a telenovela."
When asked about what makes 'Frankenstein' distinctly Mexican, del Toro confidently replied that his culture permeates his work and can't be denied. When people ask him about the "Mexican" in his movies, he laughs, saying, "Me. Yeah." This unapologetic celebration of his heritage is a testament to the filmmakers' commitment to authenticity.
The film, now in theaters, will be released on Netflix November 7, offering audiences a fresh take on a timeless classic that feels eerily familiar yet refreshingly new. With del Toro and Isaac at the helm, 'Frankenstein' has evolved into something greater than just a retelling of Mary Shelley's novel - it's a deeply personal exploration of identity, culture, and the complexities of human nature.