“I needed somebody of that stature”: the director who compared Cate Blanchett to Godzilla
A kaiju of the acting world.
Guillermo Del Toro is a Mexican filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer best known for his work in the horror and fantasy genres. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1964, Del Toro began his career as a special effects makeup artist before making his directorial debut with the horror film ‘Cronos’ in 1993.
Del Toro’s films are known for their dark, surreal, and visually stunning qualities, as well as their exploration of themes such as childhood trauma, otherness, and the supernatural. Some of his most notable films include ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006), ‘Hellboy’ (2004), and ‘The Shape of Water’ (2017), which won numerous awards, including four Academy Awards, including ‘Best Picture’ and ‘Best Director’.
In addition to his film work, Del Toro is also a prolific writer, having written numerous novels and graphic novels over the years, as well as producing television series such as ‘The Strain’ (2014-2017) and ‘Trollhunters’ (2016-2018).
Del Toro is known for his distinctive visual style, which combines elements of gothic horror, fantasy, and science fiction, as well as his focus on characters who are outsiders or marginalised in some way. He is also known for his love of monsters, which he sees as symbols of the fears and anxieties that underlie human behaviour.
In the realm of Hollywood, Guillermo Del Toro is a highly regarded and influential filmmaker whose work has had a significant impact on the horror and fantasy genres. His unique visual style, his willingness to explore dark and complex themes, and his focus on characters who are outsiders or underdogs have made him a beloved and respected figure among fans and critics alike.
A kaiju of the acting world.
“There is a state of grace…”
There’s always another project.
“Those are absolutely virtuoso pieces of filmmaking.”
A match made in off-kilter heaven.
Everything in the movie is symbolic in its own way.
“In very florid lexicon, in Spanish, he said, ‘You are an arrogant asshole.’”
And it doesn’t even have any creatures.
Childhood-shaping cinema.
There’s still plenty of things that go bump in the night.