The Paris Theater in New York City was brimming with excitement today. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro made a special appearance for the retrospective event, “Monsters and Makers: The Gothic Visions of Guillermo del Toro.” Fans were thrilled as the director of the newly released Frankenstein shared deep insights into his lifelong fascination with monsters and the macabre, a theme that has defined his illustrious career.
Guillermo Del Toro at the Paris Theater in New York
Del Toro’s appearance celebrated the long-awaited release of his film, Frankenstein. The film is a project he has professionally pursued for over two decades. The director’s bond with Mary Shelley’s Gothic novel began in childhood, ignited by seeing Boris Karloff in James Whale’s iconic 1931 adaptation on television at the age of seven. This moment, he recounted, led to an intense personal obsession. His obsession resulted in countless sketches of the Creature and a profound connection to the novel itself.
“Monsters have become my belief system,” del Toro shared. The echoes of Victor Frankenstein and his Creature are palpable throughout his filmography. Additionally, the audience at the Paris Theater was delighted to hear him discuss how this primal inspiration finally culminated in his new cinematic chapter.
“Monsters and Makers”
The retrospective, which runs through February, is a complete showcase of del Toro’s feature films. It serves as a fantastical journey through his wondrous, otherworldly creations and the dark sides of humanity they reveal.
The event kicked off on Thursday, October 9, with the New York premiere of a new 4K restoration of del Toro’s lauded debut feature, Cronos. The series will screen every feature film from the director’s storied career on a near-weekly basis. This includes a Director’s Cut of Mimic, 35mm showings of Hellboy II: The Golden Army and Crimson Peak, a Dolby Atmos presentation of Pacific Rim, and a 4K restoration of The Devil’s Backbone.
A highlight for attendees is the inclusion of the black-and-white director’s cut edition of Best Picture nominee Nightmare Alley: Vision in Darkness and Light, and the Oscar-winning Best Animated Feature, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.
Guillermo Del Toro’s Inspirations and Influences
As an extra treat, “Monsters and Makers” also features screenings of films that have been key inspirations to del Toro’s entire body of work. The films’ influences can be particularly felt throughout his version of Frankenstein. These inspirational films include:
- James Whale’s Frankenstein (1931) and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
- The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
- 35mm showings of Jean Cocteau’s La Belle et la Bête
- Victor Erice’s The Spirit of the Beehive
Del Toro’s appearance underscored the depth of his devotion to the Gothic tradition, offering a memorable experience for fans eager to explore the master’s work alongside the very films that shaped his vision.
For more information, check out the Monsters and Makers event at https://www.paristheaternyc.com/series/monsters-and-makers-guillermo-del-toro
The film is releasing in the United States on November 7th, 2025, at 12:00 AM PST.
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