Renowned director Martin Scorsese recently expressed his admiration for Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein, describing it as a “remarkable work” that left such a profound impact on him that it even appeared in his dreams. The film, which is available on Netflix, has received considerable acclaim from both audiences and critics, reinforcing del Toro’s standing as one of the leading filmmakers of his generation.
Scorsese’s Enthusiastic Response
Speaking at a post-screening panel, Scorsese articulated his thoughts on del Toro’s rendition of the classic tale by Mary Shelley. He stated, “It’s a remarkable work, and it stays with you. I actually dreamed of it.” This enthusiastic endorsement comes despite an initially lukewarm reception at film festivals, including the Telluride Film Festival and Venice Film Festival, where early screenings garnered mixed reactions.
However, the film’s popularity surged following those events, driven largely by positive word-of-mouth. Audiences have flocked to cinemas in major U.S. cities, and the film has achieved a notable 94% verified audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the platform’s most-watched films of the year.
Industry Praise and Audience Engagement
The acclaim for del Toro’s work extends beyond Scorsese. Fellow filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron remarked, “Since I’ve known you — and that has been a while — you’ve always talked about, at some point, doing a Frankenstein. Your awareness of Frankenstein and cinema go hand in hand.” Additionally, actress Margot Robbie labeled the film del Toro’s “magnum opus,” highlighting its significance in his body of work.
Del Toro has actively engaged with fans, sharing their artwork and enthusiastic reactions on social media. This engagement has been bolstered by notable figures from the entertainment industry, including Bill Hader, Jon Favreau, Jason Reitman, Ava DuVernay, and Hideo Kojima, who have expressed their support for the film, further amplifying its status in Hollywood.
This latest achievement adds to del Toro’s illustrious career, which includes two Academy Awards for The Shape of Water and Pinocchio. His earlier work, Pan’s Labyrinth, remains a beloved classic, renowned for its dark fairy-tale quality and striking visuals.
As audiences continue to embrace Frankenstein, it is clear that del Toro’s vision resonates deeply, both in its thematic depth and artistic execution. With Scorsese’s dreams now intertwined with del Toro’s cinematic creation, the film is set to leave a lasting impression in the annals of film history.
