Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
The master of monsters Guillermo del Toro has brought to the table some of the most iconic pieces of all time, being credited with delivering masterpieces likePacific RimandHellboy. To say the least, his genius brain really has gifted the world of cinema some of the most valuable pieces that will go on to be cherished in history forever.
That said, there was one movie in particular that especially helped out the filmmaker at a certain point in his career as well, when he needed it the most. This flick was the very film about ghosts that ended up clearing “all ghosts from my past” for del Toro, and pretty much changed everything for him to a significant extent:The Devil’s Backbone.
HowThe Devil’s Backbonehelped Guillermo del Toro out
Released back in 2001,The Devil’s Backboneserves as one ofGuillermo del Toro‘s finest works to date, encompassing the story of the young Carlos who gradually uncovers the secrets of the ghostly orphanage school he gets a shelter in after losing his father to the Spanish Civil War. But it stands on a more personal level for the filmmaker himself.
Turns out, back then, he was still battling the frustrations and traumas he experienced while makingMimic. As he revealed in his titular film’s foreword (as shared byEntertainment Weekly), “After going through a nightmarish shoot on Mimic, I felt that Hollywood filmmaking was not to be. I was entering this new process full of fear and worry.”
That said, when he mentioned that he “needed it so much” while talking about the piece, he actually sincerely meant it, for it really ended up changing everything for him. As del Toro explained in his book,The Devil’s Backbone‘s shoot “was also one of the most pleasant shoots I’ve ever had” for it gave him the freedom “to create” along with allowing him “total control.”
“Charlie Kaufman’s not a cheap writer”: It’s Bewildering That Guillermo del Toro Still Hasn’t Made His Dream Movie Despite Winning the Oscar
del Toro shared thatwhen he discussed that he needed to have the final cut of the film – i.e. the final edit decision globally and in any scene to rest with him in the end – with Pedro Almodóvar, who used his production company El Deseo to help the filmmaker get the flick made, his reaction was, “But, of course, the decision is yours! You’re the director!”
Thus, started a “joyful, enraptured creative experience” as he made the flick that had him finally helming a movie after feeling “no closer to getting a film made. Ever. Again” followingCronos. And, thanks to this very personal piece and Almodóvar helping him out, the mastermind was able to continuehis filmmaking careeras the flick basically “healed all my wounds.”
The Devil’s Backbonebasically “healed” all of Guillermo del Toro’s “wounds”
As he continued to explain in the foreword, the making ofThe Devil’s Backbonereally came into Guillermo del Toro’s life when he desperately needed it, and, in turn,healedall of his wounds as he continued to lead a star-studded career with that. He said about the film:
The movie healed all my wounds—made me whole again. I am as grateful as I’ve ever been to Pedro. In fact, I’ve since produced and “godfathered” many first films in order to pay it forward, trying to thank the universe for giving me this film.
“It was horrible to shoot”: When Guillermo del Toro Had to Film His Oscar Winner Under the Budget, ‘The Acolyte’ Splurged $230M Like Monopoly Money
To say the least,for del Toro, the flick pretty much served as a lifesaver as he explained, “A film about ghosts cleared all ghosts from my past. A film about loss gave me life again. A story of orphans gave me a filmmaking family.”
With that being put out there, it can’t be denied thatThe Devil’s Backboneis, actually, more than just a masterful ghost story – it’s a testament to the power of creative freedom and redemption. The film marked a turning point in del Toro’s career, allowing him to overcome past traumas and frustrations and emerge stronger and more passionate about his craft.
The Devil’s Backbone can currently be watched on Amazon Prime Video.
Mahin Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2478
Mahin Sultan is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, where she brings a fresh perspective to entertainment news. Having been in the field for over 3 years now, she has already written more than 2,000 articles across a variety of niches, from entertainment to health and fashion. This diverse experience has allowed her to quickly build a solid foundation and a deep understanding of the industry.
