During the filming of Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein, actor Oscar Isaac encountered unexpected humor that added a unique dynamic to the intense set atmosphere. The acclaimed director’s jokes, often told in Spanish, reflected his creative process and provided Isaac with vivid guidance while portraying the character Victor Frankenstein.
Isaac described these jokes as impossible to translate, revealing that del Toro used colorful analogies—such as unlikely scenarios involving a mouse and a lion—to illustrate how he wanted certain scenes performed. These jests helped Isaac capture the emotional complexity of his role with authenticity.
Del Toro’s Distinctive Direction Shaped Isaac’s Performance
Oscar Isaac recalled one particularly memorable instruction from del Toro:
“You’re the mouse that’s really excited about f—ing the lion for the first time,”
the director said, according to Isaac. This metaphor conveyed the mixture of excitement and fear his character was meant to feel, a challenge Isaac embraced fully.
“I understand. I’m really excited. I’m scared, but I’m excited,”
Isaac responded, connecting deeply with the role.
Isaac’s portrayal of Victor Frankenstein adds a layered emotional intensity to the story, building on his experience in films such as Ex Machina and Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker.
Guillermo del Toro’s Vision of Frankenstein’s Creature
Contrasting traditional monstrous depictions, del Toro’s version of Frankenstein’s creation, played by Jacob Elordi, emphasizes beauty and artistry. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly before the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, del Toro described Victor Frankenstein as
“as much an artist as he is a surgeon,”
dedicated to perfecting his lifelong vision.
“It looks like a newborn, alabaster creature. The scars are beautiful and almost aerodynamic,”
del Toro said, explaining how the creature evokes a sense of wonder rather than horror. He avoided making the monster appear as merely
“an accident victim that has been patched [together],”
aiming instead for something breathtakingly unique.
A Creature of Mixed Origins with Ethereal Features
The filmmaker highlighted the creature’s skin as a patchwork of different bodies, rendering a variety of pale, nearly translucent tones that evoke the vulnerability of a “newborn soul.” This delicate portrayal changes the narrative force of the monster into something almost otherworldly and tragically beautiful.
Release Information and Viewing Options
The film Frankenstein is currently playing at select theaters and is set to become available for streaming on Netflix starting November 7. This adaptation invites audiences to experience a fresh, emotionally turbulent take on Mary Shelley’s enduring Gothic tale under Guillermo del Toro’s distinct artistic vision.
