Guillermo del Toro’s influence in modern cinema is set to be celebrated with a special 12-film retrospective at Beyond Fest this fall, highlighting the filmmaker’s diverse and imaginative career. From September 23 to October 8 in Los Angeles, audiences will experience a comprehensive Guillermo del Toro retrospective celebration featuring screenings and Q&A sessions that explore the themes and artistry behind his iconic work.
A Journey Through Del Toro‘s Romantic and Dark Fantasies
The retrospective begins with “The Mood for Love,” focusing on del Toro’s unique ability to weave romance, desire, and betrayal into his storytelling. Screenings at the historic Egyptian Theatre will include a triple feature starting with Crimson Peak, followed by Nightmare Alley: Vision in Darkness and Light, and culminating with the Academy Award-winning The Shape of Water. Fans will have the opportunity to join a special post-screening discussion with Guillermo del Toro, gaining insights directly from the director.
Del Toro’s Impact on Comic Book Cinema
Comic book enthusiasts will be treated to “From Sketch to Screen,” which showcases del Toro’s significant contributions to the genre with screenings of Hellboy, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and Blade II. Each film will kick off with a pre-screening Q&A, giving audiences a behind-the-scenes look at how del Toro’s visionary style helped shape these stories and characters.
Exploring the Early Foundations of a Visionary Director
Highlighting the director’s beginnings, “The Early Years” segment features Cronos, The Devil’s Backbone, and the director’s cut of Mimic. These screenings will be presented in striking 4K resolution for the first two films, making it a rare chance to see these works with enhanced visuals. Following the final film, del Toro will return for a discussion reflecting on his formative experiences and creative determination in his early career.
The Powerful Political Stories Behind Pan’s Labyrinth
The retrospective dedicates its own section to the emotionally charged Pan’s Labyrinth, a film that vividly portrays the trauma and resilience in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. This screening, titled “The Revolution,” will feature a Q&A session focused on the film’s deep political themes and its impact on audiences worldwide.
Celebrating Unique Films and Anticipating New Releases
Additional screenings will include Pacific Rim and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, both showing at Los Angeles’ Los Feliz 3 theater as part of their individual celebrations. These films emphasize del Toro’s range from epic sci-fi battles to heartfelt animated storytelling. Looking ahead, the director’s upcoming feature Frankenstein is scheduled for theatrical release on October 17, with a Netflix release following on November 7.
Introducing the Cast of ‘Frankenstein’
Oscar Isaac stars as Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a scientist haunted by the quest to revive and understand life. Jacob Elordi takes on the role of The Monster, a character grappling with existence and identity. Mia Goth portrays Elizabeth Lavenza, while Christoph Waltz plays Dr. Pretorius, a figure determined to find Frankenstein’s creation and push the limits of scientific ambition. The story centers on Pretorius’ attempt to locate the long-thought-dead monster to continue Frankenstein’s groundbreaking and controversial experiments.
“Está Vivo: The Gods and Monsters of Guillermo del Toro, the retrospective will dig into the helmer’s more than three decades in the industry, unveiling the driving forces behind the man who brings monsters to life.” —Beyond Fest Announcement
“No retrospective on the life and career of del Toro would be complete without paying homage to the movies that laid the foundation.” —Beyond Fest Event Description
“Dr. Pretorius attempts to find Frankenstein’s monster, long believed dead, to further the scientific work started by Dr. Victor Frankenstein decades before.” —Film Synopsis
This extensive retrospective marks a defining moment for fans and film lovers to connect with Guillermo del Toro’s visionary works on a grand scale. It offers a rare opportunity to experience beloved films and discover the influences that shaped one of cinema’s most imaginative directors. As his new film Frankenstein approaches release, this celebration sets the stage for del Toro’s continuing legacy and contributions to the art of storytelling.
