Guillermo del Toro Reflects on Death and Creativity at Marrakech Film Festival

During a recent conversation at the Marrakech International Film Festival in Morocco, acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro candidly discussed his fascination with death, stating, “Why should you want to live longer? I’m a big fan of death … I think death is really good.” This provocative statement set the tone for a nearly two-hour dialogue moderated by Kim Morgan, del Toro's wife and screenwriter of "Nightmare Alley." The director explored the emotional depth of his work and the influence of Romantic poets on his latest film, an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein," which he has pursued for over 50 years.

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Del Toro recounted his childhood experience of watching Boris Karloff portray Frankenstein's monster at the age of seven, describing it as a religious experience. He expressed, “That was religion. That was my church,” highlighting the profound impact this moment had on his artistic journey. His lifelong ambition culminated in the recent Netflix release starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, which he described as an operatic endeavor.

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Throughout the discussion, del Toro emphasized the importance of emotion in his storytelling. He remarked, “I’m Mexican, so emotion is big for me. I think emotion is very scarce right now.” He criticized contemporary societal attitudes that equate cynicism with intelligence, asserting that expressing belief in love is often ridiculed. Del Toro's commitment to sincerity in his work stands in contrast to what he perceives as a cultural trend of emotional suppression.

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He articulated a desire for "Frankenstein" to resonate with the grandeur of opera, reflecting the Romantic tradition that embraces vulnerability and the potential for ridicule. Del Toro stated, “The Romantics took a huge step toward the possibility of ridicule,” underscoring his belief in the power of emotional expression in art.

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In a reflective moment, del Toro shared insights on the relationship between failure and success, asserting, “You have to be completely open to failure if you’re ever to experience success … you have to be ready to be ridiculous.” This philosophy encapsulates his approach to creativity, where embracing the absurd is essential for artistic growth.

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After the completion of "Frankenstein," del Toro humorously admitted to experiencing "postpartum depression," a sentiment that speaks to the emotional investment he has in his projects. This acknowledgment of vulnerability further illustrates his commitment to exploring complex themes of life and death through his work.

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• “That was religion. That was my church.” — Guillermo del Toro, reflecting on Boris Karloff’s performance

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• “I think emotion is very scarce right now.” — Guillermo del Toro, on contemporary society

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• “You have to be completely open to failure if you’re ever to experience success … you have to be ready to be ridiculous. So I’m ready to be ridiculous at all times.” — Guillermo del Toro, on creativity

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Del Toro's reflections at the Marrakech Film Festival reveal a profound engagement with themes of mortality, emotion, and the artistic process, offering audiences a glimpse into the mind of a director deeply influenced by his past and the complexities of human experience.

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