How Guillermo del Toro modernizes fantasy in films
What's the story
Guillermo del Toro has cracked the code to modernizing fantasy in Hollywood films, and that's an understatement. His work has the heart of a fairy tale but with a modern touch, and his films are nothing short of cinematic genius. The Mexican filmmaker's work is a concoction of imaginative worlds, intricate characters, and innovative use of VFX. Here's how del Toro has done it.
Visual impact
'Pan's Labyrinth' and visual storytelling
In Pan's Labyrinth, del Toro employs visual storytelling to craft a vivid fantasy world that is both magical and real. The film's design features intricate sets and practical effects that augment the narrative without the overindulgence of CGI. As a result, viewers are able to immerse themselves completely in the story, connecting the dots between fantasy and reality.
Character focus
Emphasis on character depth
Del Toro pays a lot of attention to character development in his films. He carefully creates layered personalities with deeply relatable motivations and emotions. This effort makes sure that the audience develops a sense of personal connection with the characters. This emphasis on character depth intricately adds multiple layers to the narrative, making even the most fantastical of things feel more real to the viewers.
Practical techniques
Innovative use of practical effects
Del Toro also has a knack for mixing practical effects with the digital. In films like The Shape of Water, he uses some old-school makeup with modern visual effects to bring the most captivating creatures to life. This combination of old and new makes for visually spectacular films that challenge the limits of fantasy cinema.
Cultural influence
Incorporating cultural elements
Like any good storyteller, del Toro also relies heavily on culture. By picking elements from folklore and mythology from various regions around the world, del Toro opens up new stories for the audience while keeping them universally relatable. This cultural infusion not only increases the storytelling potential of his films but also makes them appeal to a wider audience across demographics.
Narrative balance
Balancing darkness with hope
While many of del Toro's works deal with themes of contrast, they also provide a glimpse of hope and resilience through their narratives. He deftly balances these contrasting elements by weaving stories where light triumphs over darkness without losing sight of reality's complexities. This makes them relatable yet inspiring for viewers worldwide.