Like everyone online I’m now obsessed with the stunning visuals of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein (now streaming on Netflix). Rich, theatrical, emotionally arresting… hyper-stylised, heightened beauty, from realism and straight into Mannerist excess?
It’s a trend that I’ve been noticing on lots of films that dabble with fantasy and sci-fi and while it can create some powerful imagery it also feels like it’s consuming the story, creating an emotional disconnect between the viewer and the world we are supposed to believe exists.
This and all the things I enjoyed about this hopeful, emotionally driven adaptation of Mary Shelly’s brilliant, pioneering novel.
Also, updates from me and my thus far, chaotic arts and culture packed November. Secret projects are everywhere.
Enjoy!
Mia Goth as Elizabeth Lavenza and a close up Madonna of the Long Neck (1535-1540) by of Parmigianino.
When Elizabeth meets The Creature for the first time and The Creation of Adam (1508–1512) by Michelangelo.
The studio of Henrich Harlander played by Christoph Waltz and Still Life with Bouquet and Skull (1642) by Adriaen van Utrecht- Vanitas.
When Elizabeth first touches The Creature and The Incredulity of Saint Thomas (1601–1602) by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.
Victor Frankenstein in his laboratory and Medusa (1597) by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.