Introduction to Guillermo del Toro’s "Frankenstein"
It took more than 20 years, $120 million, and many pounds of prosthetics and makeup for Guillermo del Toro to bring his vision of "Frankenstein" to life. The hero’s journey that del Toro traveled with one of the basic creatures from Filmdom is a remarkable story. "Frankenstein" stars Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, who detail the difficult shoot that required long days in Scotland and Toronto.
The Making of "Frankenstein"
Del Toro’s "Frankenstein" is a passion project that has been in the works for decades. According to Brent Lang, Executive Editor at Variety, del Toro has thought about this project since he was a little boy growing up in Mexico. He saw the James Whale film from 1931 for the first time and reacted to it at a deeply emotional level. Del Toro’s topics and message are something that has really stayed with him throughout his career. He said, "Frankenstein is in all my films. It is in ‘Blade II’, it is in ‘Cronos’, it is in all the things I did." Finally, through his first-look deal at Netflix, he was able to bring this project to life on a big scale.
The Physical Transformation of Jacob Elordi
Ramin Setoodeh, Variety’s Chief Film Critic, emphasizes the incredible physical transformation that Jacob Elordi underwent to play Frankenstein. Elordi, who stands at 6-foot-5, endured a significant makeover to portray the iconic creature. Setoodeh notes that if he had seen the film without knowing who the actors were, he would not have recognized Elordi as the monster. This transformation is a testament to Elordi’s dedication to his craft and the film’s impressive production design.
The Gamescom Conference
The episode also features Jennifer Maas, Variety’s Senior Business Writer for TV and video games, reporting on the Gamescom conference in Cologne. Maas describes the event as the "Sun Valley of the Gaming Industry," where top executives and developers gather to discuss new projects and innovations. The conference features meetings, talks, and presentations, but it’s also a time for conversations and deal-making. Maas notes that this is an opportunity for insiders to come together and shape the future of the gaming industry.
ESPN’s New Streaming App
The last segment features Brian Steinberg, Variety’s Senior TV Editor, discussing ESPN’s new independent streaming app, which launched on August 21. Steinberg describes his encounter with "app-e," the animated symbol created by ESPN to help users navigate the service. While the app’s features may seem kitschy, the technology behind it is impressive. Steinberg notes that users can access multiple views, personalized content, and even a "TikTok-style" SportsCenter. The app is a significant step forward in the way we consume sports content, and it’s an indication of where the industry is headed.
Conclusion
Guillermo del Toro’s "Frankenstein" is a highly anticipated film that promises to bring a new level of depth and complexity to the classic story. With its impressive production design, talented cast, and del Toro’s passion and dedication, this film is sure to be a contender for Oscar nominations. The film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 30 will be a significant moment in the cinematic calendar. Meanwhile, the Gamescom conference and ESPN’s new streaming app are just a few examples of the exciting developments in the world of entertainment and technology.
