Costume designer Kate Hawley has revealed that David Bowie significantly inspired the distinctive looks of characters in Guillermo del Toro’s Netflix film, Frankenstein. The movie, set in the 1850s, stars Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature, both showcasing costumes that blend period authenticity with modern influences, reflecting del Toro’s artistic vision.
Hawley explained in an interview with Variety how she became involved in the project and crafted the characters’ attire. She shared that she felt both nervous and excited at the start, especially since del Toro was
“very clear that he wanted this world to be bigger and larger than normal.”
This direction pushed the costume design to bring a fresh, expansive perspective to the period setting.
Combining Historical Roots with Modern Flair in Character Designs
When discussing the creative process behind Victor Frankenstein’s wardrobe, Hawley highlighted a range of aesthetic inspirations. She noted,
“There were a lot that we discussed. There were the more contemporary references of David Bowie, and Oscar, who mentioned Prince.”
These figures helped shape a look that balanced timelessness and innovation.
At the same time, the costumes maintained a connection to Mary Shelley’s original era. Hawley emphasized this link, saying,
“It’s definitely a nod more to the world and time period of Mary Shelley herself.”
However, del Toro was intent on avoiding typical costume clichés from the period. He expressed his wish for a style that didn’t feature “lots of black top hats,” instead craving
“a modern sensibility which is very much what was happening during the war in terms of technology and the time.”
Critical Praise for the Film’s Visual and Performative Elements
The care devoted to costume design, along with other cinematic aspects, has contributed to Frankenstein’s positive reception from critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an 85% critic approval rating, while Popcornmeter scores it even higher at 95%, reflecting strong appreciation.
Reviewer Jack Walters from ScreenRant gave the film a seven out of ten, praising its production design and the performances of Isaac and Elordi. He wrote,
“It’s certainly not surprising after movies like Nightmare Alley and The Shape of Water, but Guillermo del Toro’s latest is a staggering technical accomplishment that blends inventive camerawork with luscious production design. The Netflix budget has clearly been put to good use, as the director crafts some immense set pieces that feel spiritually torn from Mary Shelley’s mind.”
Anticipating Audience Reaction and Awards Prospects
Since its November 8 release on Netflix, Frankenstein’s long-term popularity remains to be seen, but initial reactions indicate viewers leave the film satisfied. This positive early buzz is likely to generate strong word-of-mouth, supported by del Toro’s reputation and the compelling performances of Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi sharing the screen.
Looking ahead to awards season, the movie is expected to contend, especially in technical categories such as production and costume design. Given the unique creative influences behind its visual style, including nods to Bowie and Prince, Frankenstein may stand out in competitions like the Oscars, potentially earning recognition for its artistic achievements.
