Del Toro Reveals Frankenstein's Secret Filming Technique for Emotional Scenes
Viewers are noticing a powerful connection between Jacob Elordi's Creature and Mia Goth's Elizabeth in Guillermo del Toro's *Frankenstein*. The director has now confirmed a specific filmmaking choice is responsible for this heightened emotional depth. Discover the subtle method he used to make their interactions stand out.
Fans of Guillermo del Toro's new Frankenstein adaptation have been buzzing about the palpable, almost dreamlike quality of the scenes shared by Jacob Elordi's Creature and Mia Goth's Elizabeth. A unique emotional weight seems to define their interactions, and now the acclaimed director has pulled back the curtain on the specific cinematic technique he employed to achieve this powerful effect.
A Technical Twist for Emotional Punch
In a direct response to a fan who pointed out the distinct feel of those moments, del Toro confirmed he intentionally altered his filming process. "I shot all their scenes together at 36 frames per second so I could slow down certain moments/Gestures (wedding dress moth flutter float) or speed them (her face trembling in glove scene) and you can feel that effect leaning on every emotional beat…" the director shared on Twitter. This departure from the industry standard of 24 frames per second gave him greater flexibility in post-production.
By shooting at a higher frame rate, del Toro could manipulate time within the scenes, subtly emphasizing the Creature's vulnerability and Elizabeth's compassion. This method allows for a smoother slow-motion effect or a slightly accelerated, frantic energy, giving each gesture and expression a heightened significance that resonates deeply with the audience.
Isolating a Singular Bond
The choice to film these specific interactions differently serves a crucial narrative purpose. In the story, Elizabeth is a beacon of empathy in the Creature's tormented existence. Engaged to Victor Frankenstein's brother, William, she is one of the few people who shows the creation any form of kindness, particulary in the immediate aftermath of his animation when he is chained and hidden away by his horrified creator, Victor.
This visual separation underscores the special, fragile connection between Elizabeth and the Creature. Their shared screen time exists in its own stylistic bubble, setting their relationship apart from the horror and rejection that otherwise defines the Creature's life. It's a clever way to translate their unique emotional landscape into a tangible viewing experience.
A Modern Take on a Classic Tale
Del Toro's film is a new interpretation of Mary Shelley's foundational 19th-century Gothic novel. The project features a star-studded cast, with Oscar Isaac taking on the role of the ambitious and troubled scientist, Victor Frankenstein. Joining Isaac, Elordi, and Goth are other notable actors including Christoph Waltz, David Bradley, Charles Dance, Ralph Ineson, and Lars Mikkelsen, each bringing their talent to this dark and poignant story.