The recent BFI IMAX screening of Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ marks a pivotal moment in the horror genre and its intersection with cherished collectibles. As this iconic filmmaker and Jacob Elordi unveil their reimagining of the classic tale, collectors and retailers alike should take note of its implications for the toy and collectibles market.
Guillermo del Toro and Jacob Elordi graced the BFI IMAX theater in central London Saturday night to share insights into the making of ‘Frankenstein,’ which launched on Netflix on November 7 following a limited theatrical release. Del Toro, noticeably hungry, accepted popcorn from eager fans and expressed his deep affection for the story of Frankenstein, highlighting its influence on his artistry.
In a context where recent industry shifts—such as Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. for a staggering $82.7 billion—have raised questions regarding the future of film and theater, del Toro reinforced the irreplaceable value of cinema. He remarked, “Make no mistake: fairy tales [and] horror stories are parables. They speak of things we cannot name. That’s their power.” This perspective illuminates the ongoing demand for compelling narratives and their representation in the collectibles market.
Del Toro emphasized that the craftsmanship in his film extends to every detail of production: “We wove the fabric. The fabric on the main characters is not bought in a store. We made it, we wove it, we printed it, we aged it, we tinted it. The embroidery in the veils is done by hand. Every veil is embroidered by hand…” This dedication to artistry is a crucial aspect when considering collectible figures and merchandise, which reflect similar meticulous attention to detail.
Reflecting on the emotional journey of creating ‘Frankenstein,’ del Toro compared the completion of the film to postpartum depression, humorously noting, “I feel like one of those fishes that lays the eggs and dies.” He underscored that all his previous works laid the groundwork for this film, establishing a broader artistic narrative that could resonate with collectors familiar with his filmography.
Elordi echoed his director’s sentiments, sharing the significance of embodying a character from such a storied lineage of horror. “It’s been my intention to do a performance like this since I was 13 years old,” he stated. He described the collaborative creation process as essential: “This is the only way to make movies — by hand, and it’s the only thing that should be digested.” This alignment of artistic vision with tactile craftsmanship is a valuable takeaway for accessory manufacturers and artisans within the collectibles realm.
Del Toro concluded the session with a tantalizing hint about his future projects, stating, “The next one is stop motion. Back to stop motion.” This tease suggests the potential for new collectible opportunities that could arise from his future endeavors.
‘Frankenstein’ is now available for streaming globally on Netflix, promising to engross both cinema and collectible enthusiasts alike.
Based on reporting by Hollywood Reporter. Read the full story at https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/guillermo-del-toro-jacob-elordi-frankenstein-bfi-imax-film-1236444211/.