Guillermo Del Toro and Jacob Elordi Overwhelmed with Emotion as 'Frankenstein' Earns Standing Ovation at Venice

The creatures were in our hearts, not on the screen. At this weekend's Venice Film Festival, Guillermo Del Toro's much anticipated 'Frankenstein' dazzled spectators with a daring, emotional reimagining of Mary Shelley's classic story. The room erupted in a roaring 14-minute ovation as the last credits rolled, leaving Del Toro and star Jacob Elordi obviously touched. Their tears revealed the power of the film as well as the intensely personal process that went into making it. This was a cinematic exorcism that had been developing for decades, not just a premiere.

Image Courtesy: India Today

A Gothic Love Letter Finally Realized

On 30th August, during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, Guillermo Del Toro witnessed 'Frankenstein' come to life after years of nurturing his passion project. An incredible 14-minute standing ovation, the longest of the festival thus far, was given by the audience as the credits rolled in the grandeur of the Sala Grande, confirming that del Toro's passionate, painterly rendition of Mary Shelley's classic was not just a revival but a daring, resounding reckoning. 

Image Courtesy: The Independent

As the applause continued, Del Toro, clearly moved, waved and embraced his on-stage protagonists, Jacob Elordi (the Creature) and Oscar Isaac (Victor Frankenstein). In particular, Elordi was unable to control his tears and sought comfort in Isaac's hug, which included a tender peck on his cheek. The intense emotional connection between actor, character, and director was captured when Elordi placed his chin on Isaac's head in a moment brimming with unadulterated human kindness.

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A Creature Drawn from Soul, Not Shock

In contrast to horror-centric interpretations, Del Toro transforms 'Frankenstein' as a deeply human tale, in which Elordi's character, the Creature, is a sensitive soul moulded by rejection and loneliness rather than a monster. This emotionally charged approach was well received by both crowds and critics. According to Elordi, his character became "the purest form of myself," revealing the depth of his emotional attachment to the part.

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Del Toro's dedication is apparent in the film's production. As a tribute to how profoundly this project has shaped his life's work, he acknowledged, "It's the movie that I've been in training for 30 years to do," and now finds himself in an odd post-completion state he refers to as "postpartum depression." Cinematic artistry runs through Frankenstein: lush visuals, tangible practical sets, Alexandre Desplat's sweeping score, and emotionally textured performances from the cast—Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer among them—blend into a gothic tapestry that blends beauty to heartbreak.

Image Courtesy: Variety

As the festival buzz winds down, the ovation at Venice wasn't just applause—it was a standing testament to a filmmaker's life’s ambition fulfilled and to an actor's power to humanize myth. 'Frankenstein' is one of 21 films competing for the prestigious Golden Lion prize, which will be awarded on 6th September. The film is set to arrive in theatres on 17th October and streams globally on Netflix starting from 7th November. 

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