Defying Maternal Warnings: A Star's Journey to "Frankenstein"
A Childhood Encounter with "Pan's Labyrinth"
Jacob Elordi recounted a formative childhood memory involving a visit to the local Blockbuster. At the tender age of 10, while perusing the horror section, he stumbled upon the DVD cover for Guillermo del Toro's 2006 masterpiece, "Pan's Labyrinth." The striking imagery, featuring a tree, a young girl, and the unsettling Pale Man, immediately captivated his young imagination, sparking a profound curiosity about its contents.
The Parental Precaution Against a Visionary Director
Despite the film's 'mature' rating in Australia, Elordi's mother, Melissa, begrudgingly agreed to let him rent "Pan's Labyrinth." However, her consent came with a singular, emphatic condition: he must "never work with this man." This humorous, yet firm, directive stemmed from her initial impression of the DVD cover's eerie aesthetic, foreshadowing an unexpected twist in her son's future career. Decades later, as Elordi stood alongside del Toro at a London screening, he shared this anecdote with a chuckle, culminating in del Toro's witty rejoinder about the merits of filial disobedience.
The Serendipitous Path to "Frankenstein"
Elordi's involvement in del Toro's "Frankenstein" adaptation emerged from an unforeseen turn of events. With the original actor departing just nine weeks prior to commencement, Elordi found himself with a mere four weeks to immerse himself in the role. Despite the compressed timeline, he felt an undeniable enthusiasm and certainty after reading the screenplay. His conviction was rooted in the belief that no other filmmaker possessed the unique vision and capability to bring a truly exceptional "Frankenstein" narrative to life.
Del Toro's Profound Connection to "Frankenstein"
Guillermo del Toro's dedication to "Frankenstein" spans over three decades, tracing back to his first encounter with Mary Shelley's novel as an 11-year-old. He articulated his deep personal connection to the story in almost spiritual terms, stating, "I identify entirely with the Creature." For del Toro, the narrative is a profound exploration of humanity's origins and the concept of paradise lost, a theme he describes as his "religion." He lightheartedly remarked on his childhood conversion from Catholicism to "Frankensteinism," emphasizing the profound impact the tale has had on his artistic and personal philosophy.
The Collective Cinematic Experience
Beyond the film's personal significance, del Toro passionately advocated for the communal experience of cinema. Speaking before a colossal 85 x 65 ft screen at the BFI IMAX, he emphasized that viewing stories collectively is the optimal way to engage with them. He highlighted the transformative power of movies like "The Shape of Water," "Pan's Labyrinth," and now "Frankenstein," in fostering empathy, humanity, and forgiveness. In an era where individuals are both hyper-connected and profoundly isolated, del Toro urged the audience to embrace the shared magic of the big screen, rather than the isolating glow of personal devices, for a truly enriching experience.