Guillermo del Toro Reflects on Regrets and Emotion in Filmmaking

In a recent appearance at the Toronto Film Festival, acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro shared insights into his creative journey and the themes that have been shaping his latest projects. Now in his 60s, the Oscar-winning director has been grappling with the role of regret in his life and work.

"I'm in the regret decade," del Toro told the audience, explaining how his experiences as both a son and a father have influenced his latest Frankenstein adaptation, which features Oscar Isaac as Dr. Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the creature. The director aimed to craft a story about the complex father-son dynamic, drawing from his own personal reflections.

Beyond the Frankenstein project, del Toro teased his upcoming slate, which includes the thriller Fury, described as "very cruel, very violent," and an "epic" stop-motion film. The veteran of creature features continues to explore the human condition, examining themes of "what it means to be human in a time of inhumanity, war and in a moment of doubt as a race."

Emphasizing the importance of emotion and empathy in storytelling, del Toro argued that "Emotion is the new punk. Emotion, we're afraid of showing it. We're afraid of seeing it. We're in such a state of separation within ourselves. That's the only thing that will save us, to have empathy and emotion."

As del Toro's Frankenstein adaptation prepares for a limited theatrical release in October, followed by a global streaming debut on Netflix in November, audiences can expect the director's signature blend of gothic sensibilities and profound explorations of the human experience.