Guillermo Del Toro – Book Review
I was recently sent a copy of Guillermo del Toro: The Iconic Filmmaker and his Work, by Ian Nathan, for review.
The Blurb
Widely regarded as one of the most imaginative directors working in cinema today, Guillermo del Toro has built up a body of work that has enthralled movie fans with its dark beauty and edge-of-the-seat set pieces.
In this book, acclaimed author Ian Nathan charts the progression of a career that has produced some of contemporary cinema’s most revered scenes and idiosyncratic characters. From Oscar Winners Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water to blockbuster hits such as Hellboy and Pacific Rim, this detailed examination looks at how the strands of del Toro’s career have woven together to create one of modern cinema’s most ground-breaking bodies of work.
An enlightening look into the mind of an auteur blessed with a singular creative vision, Guillermo del Toro analyses the processes, themes and narratives that have come to be recognised as distinctly del Toro.
The Content
I’ve been a fan of del Toro’s work for many years, as well as a lover of a good companion/concept art book, so this book sounded like it would be a fascinating read. I wasn’t wrong. This 175+page tome chronicles the life and work of the Mexican filmmaker through such varied works as the critically acclaimed Pan’s Labyrinth (El laberinto del fauno in its native Spanish) and The Devil’s Backbone, to blockbusters like Hellboy and Pacific Rim. Beginning with his childhood in Mexico, it catalogues his body of work in chronological order, sharing behind the scenes stories of the trials and tribulations of each production. It also details some of the many projects to which the filmmaker has been attached over the years that did not come to fruition.
Despite being an Unofficial and Unauthorised biography, this is clearly the product of some meticulous research. Numerous interviews and sources are referenced throughout as Nathan builds a comprehensive and thoroughly intriguing portrait of a unique filmmaker. It teases out common themes and motifs that run through his work in a surprising way. While reading I found myself thinking back over his various projects (that I’ve seen) and realising just how clear the language of his filmmaking style is throughout his career.
There are also stories brought to the fore regarding difficulties in production, notably on his first studio picture – Mimic – and his sadly abandoned attempt to adapt The Hobbit movies, that illuminate just how difficult a process movie making must be. Especially when one wants to retain a unique creative voice in the face of overwhelming pressure from the people with the money.
It’s the type of book that will give you endless “oh, did you know…” ammunition for any conversation on his work. Like the fact del Toro describes his imagery as “eye protein” rather than “eye candy”, the former being far more substantial and sustaining that the Hollywood confections invoked by the latter.
Presentation
The book itself comes in a gorgeous slipcase with the same cover illustration on both, the “Eyes” of the Pale Man from Pan’s Labyrinth. Possibly one of the most recognisable images from any of del Toro’s movies, and certainly one of the most memorable.
Along with the detailed history it’s filled with photographs, ranging from posters for movies and covers of comic books that influenced del Toro, to behind the scenes set photos and promotional content for his movies. There’s an 8-page gatefold section with a timeline of his work (both directorial and producer credits) which I found interesting to trace certain themes. The end of the book includes a comprehensive, chapter by chapter bibliography to allow the truly dedicated fan to go even deeper.
It’s a beautifully put together book that would grace any bookcase or coffee table. Whether you are a del Toro devotee, a more casual enjoyer of his work, or simply have a keen interest in filmmaking, there will be details enough in this book to satisfy. And, if you are anything like me, plan a GDT movie marathon in the very near future.
About the Author
Author Ian Nathan lives and works in London, and is one of the UK’s best-known film writers. His previous books include Alien Vault, the best-selling history of Ridley Scott’s masterpiece, Terminator Vault, Tarantino, Tim Burton, The Coen Brothers and Anything You Can Imagine: Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle-earth. He is the former editor and executive editor of Empire, the world’s biggest movie magazine, where he remains a contributing editor. He also regularly contributes to The Times, The Independent, The Mail on Sunday, Cahiers Du Cinema and the Discovering Film documentary series on Sky Arts.
Where to Buy
Guillermo del Toro is available now in Hardback from all good bookstores. It’s retailing for £28 in the UK and $35 in the US. You can also get it online from Books-A-Million.
Disclaimer: This copy of Guillermo del Toro was gifted in exchange for an honest review.
