Guillermo del Toro's Vision: A Deep Dive into the Costume and Makeup of "Frankenstein"

Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" presents a unique interpretation of the classic tale, emphasizing themes of life, death, and emotional depth. The film features Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature, with a focus on the intricate costume and makeup designs that enhance the narrative. Costume designer Kate Hawley and prosthetics artist Mike Hill collaborated closely to create a visual language that reflects the film's gothic sensibilities and emotional undertones.

How “Frankenstein” Costume Designer Kate Hawley on Dressing Men, Monsters, & Their Mothers

Kate Hawley highlighted the importance of color in del Toro's storytelling, noting that reds symbolize the mother, Claire Frankenstein (played by Mia Goth), throughout the film. The vivid red dress worn by Claire serves as a motif that recurs as Victor's obsession with life and death unfolds. Hawley explained, “The reds are carefully chosen,” linking them to pivotal moments in the narrative, such as the death of Elizabeth, which echoes the beginning of the story. The use of color is not merely aesthetic; it reinforces the emotional weight of the characters' journeys.

How “Frankenstein” Costume Designer Kate Hawley on Dressing Men, Monsters, & Their Mothers

Mike Hill's approach to the Creature's design was to evoke empathy rather than horror. He aimed to avoid traditional zombie aesthetics, focusing instead on a practical and raw representation of the Creature. Hill stated, “We didn’t want the standard corpse that just lay down and sprawled out flat,” opting for a design that reflects the Creature's tragic existence. The Creature's body is depicted as stitched together from various parts, emphasizing the theme of creation and the consequences of Victor's hubris.

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The film explores the relationship between Victor and the Creature, with Elizabeth serving as a mediator. This dynamic is underscored by the contrasting representations of intellect and emotion. Victor's father, portrayed by Charles Dance, embodies a cold, intellectual approach, while the Creature represents the oppressed working class. Elizabeth's character bridges these worlds, embodying empathy and emotional connection.

10 Easter Eggs in Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’

While the film has been praised for its artistic vision, some critics argue that del Toro's interpretation may stray too far from Shelley's original themes. The emphasis on emotional depth and character relationships has led to discussions about whether the film captures the essence of the horror genre or leans more towards a dramatic narrative.

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• “I think that’s what an artist does. There’s a pursuit of ‘what else could it be, and how else can I do it?’ My observation is that Guillermo illustrates what it’s like to chase the muse, to try and grasp that ephemeral thing.” — Kate Hawley, Costume Designer

How “Frankenstein” Costume Designer Kate Hawley on Dressing Men, Monsters, & Their Mothers

• “We wanted to stay away from classical zombies or anything like that,” — Mike Hill, Prosthetics Artist

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Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" offers a fresh perspective on a well-known story, blending rich visual elements with profound emotional themes. The collaboration between Hawley and Hill has resulted in a film that not only pays homage to its literary roots but also invites audiences to explore the complexities of creation, loss, and humanity. As viewers engage with this adaptation, they may discover new layers of meaning within the familiar narrative.

10 Easter Eggs in Guillermo Del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’