Guillermo del Toro Says ‘Frankenstein’ Isn’t a Metaphor for AI: ‘I’m Not Afraid of Artificial Intelligence. I’m Afraid of Natural Stupidity’

The discourse around AI's impact on creative industries is constant, with many fearing its potential to reshape or even diminish human artistry. But what if one of cinema's most imaginative minds sees the real threat elsewhere?

Guillermo del Toro's Provocative Stance

At the Venice Film Festival, visionary director Guillermo del Toro, celebrated for crafting fantastical worlds, unveiled his latest project: a new adaptation of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." Despite its timely themes of creation and hubris, del Toro made a striking declaration, clarifying his film's core message. He asserted that his "Frankenstein" is decidedly "not intended as a metaphor" for artificial intelligence.

Instead, he quipped, "I’m not afraid of artificial intelligence. I’m afraid of natural stupidity." This bold statement challenges the prevailing narrative, directing our focus away from technological anxieties and towards fundamental human shortcomings.

Beyond the Monster: A Deeper Humanity

Reimagining a Classic Tale

While the classic tale features a brilliant, ego-driven scientist and his monstrous creation, del Toro's cinematic spin delves into more nuanced territory. He envisions the story as a "layered family drama," emphasizing the profound destruction that can result from unchecked power and a lack of empathy.

The film explores the "right we have to remain imperfect, and the right we have to understand each other under the most oppressive circumstances." This perspective reframes "Frankenstein" from a mere horror story into a powerful exploration of human connection and its fragility, especially relevant in an increasingly polarized world.

Insights from the Cast

Starring Jacob Elordi as the creature and Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, the film’s themes resonated deeply with its cast. Elordi himself highlighted this by identifying "men in suits" as modern monsters, a sentiment del Toro humorously refined to "very well tailored ones." Isaac shared his personal connection to the role, emphasizing the profound journey from initial conversations over dinner to bringing Victor to life.

Crafting a Vision: From Dream to Screen

A Lifelong Aspiration Realized

For del Toro, bringing "Frankenstein" to the screen has been a lifelong aspiration, one he approached with meticulous care. He deliberately waited for the "right conditions," both creatively and in terms of scale, to "reconstruct the whole world" of Shelley's narrative in a unique way.

The $120 million-budgeted film, which premiered at Venice, represents a significant undertaking, bringing together talents like Christoph Waltz, Mia Goth, and composer Alexandre Desplat. This commitment to an expansive, imaginative vision underscores del Toro’s dedication to storytelling that transcends simple genre classifications.

Navigating the New Distribution Landscape

Balancing Theatrical and Streaming Reach

The film's release strategy, a limited three-week theatrical run followed by its debut on Netflix, reflects the evolving dynamics of the film industry. Del Toro expressed satisfaction with this arrangement, viewing it as an opportunity to combine the initial impact of the big screen with the immense reach of streaming platforms.

He recounted past experiences, such as "Nightmare Alley" facing an uphill battle against "Spider-Man: No Way Home" and the Omicron variant, highlighting the unpredictability of box office success. For him, the chance to "reach over 300 million viewers" through Netflix, while still providing a theatrical experience, makes for "a very creative experience," adapting to how modern audiences consume content.

The True Challenge: Overcoming "Natural Stupidity"

Del Toro's assertion that "natural stupidity" is more formidable than artificial intelligence serves as a potent call to introspection. It implies that our human failings – our biases, our inability to connect, our collective shortcomings – pose a greater threat than any technology we might create. His "Frankenstein" asks us to look inward, to examine the real monsters that emerge not from labs, but from the depths of human nature itself.

Reflect and Engage

This film invites us to pause and consider where our anxieties are truly rooted. Are we genuinely grappling with the future of technology, or are we avoiding a deeper examination of our own collective wisdom, empathy, and judgment? Engage with del Toro's latest masterpiece, and let its layered narrative spark a conversation about the true challenges facing humanity.