Del Toro's 'Frankenstein' Aims for Oscar Glory After Two Decades in the Making

Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited adaptation of "Frankenstein," starring Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 30th, with Netflix positioning the creature feature as a potential Oscar contender. The film, a passion project more than two decades in the making, reportedly cost $120 million to produce and required extensive prosthetics and makeup work.

A Lifelong Obsession Brought to Life

According to Brent Lang, Executive Editor at Variety, "What stands out to me the most is how much of a passion project this truly is. This is something [del Toro’s] been thinking about making since he was a little boy growing up in Mexico. He first saw the 1931 James Whale movie, and he said he responded to it on a deeply emotional level." Lang further emphasizes the pervasive influence of "Frankenstein" on del Toro's filmography, noting that the director sees elements of the story in many of his previous works, including "Blade II" and "Cronos."

The project finally gained traction through del Toro's first-look deal with Netflix, allowing him to realize his vision on a grand scale. This speaks to the evolving landscape of Hollywood, where streaming services are increasingly willing to finance ambitious and unconventional projects that traditional studios might shy away from. The shift is driven by the need for unique content to attract and retain subscribers in a competitive market.

Elordi's Transformation: Unrecognizable as Frankenstein's Monster

Ramin Setoodeh, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Variety, highlights the remarkable physical transformation undergone by Jacob Elordi for the role of Frankenstein's monster. "If I had gone to this movie cold without opening credits and watched the film not knowing who was in it, obviously I recognized Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, the father of the monster, but I would not have known or guessed it was Jacob Elordi," Setoodeh stated. "That's the kind of transformation that he undergoes in this movie."

This dedication to physical transformation echoes a long-standing tradition in Hollywood, where actors often undergo significant changes to embody their characters fully. From Robert De Niro gaining weight for "Raging Bull" to Charlize Theron's prosthetic transformation in "Monster," such commitments are often seen as a pathway to critical acclaim and awards recognition. Elordi's transformation, therefore, positions him as a serious contender in the upcoming awards season.

The Venice Film Festival: A Launchpad for Oscar Campaigns

The premiere at the Venice Film Festival is a strategic move by Netflix. The festival has a history of launching successful Oscar campaigns, providing a platform for films to generate buzz and critical acclaim before their wider release. Recent examples include "Roma" (2018) and "The Shape of Water" (2017), both of which went on to win Best Director and Best Picture, respectively.

Historical Context: Frankenstein's Enduring Legacy

Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" has been adapted numerous times for the screen, each iteration reflecting the anxieties and preoccupations of its time. Del Toro's version arrives at a moment when questions of artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and the ethical responsibilities of scientific advancement are particularly salient. His adaptation will likely engage with these contemporary issues, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale of creation and its consequences.

Looking Ahead: Awards Season Prospects

With its pedigree director, acclaimed cast, and thought-provoking themes, "Frankenstein" has the potential to be a major player in the upcoming awards season. The film's success will depend on its ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike, offering a compelling and visually stunning interpretation of Shelley's timeless story. The initial reception at the Venice Film Festival will be a crucial indicator of its prospects.