Director Profile: Guillermo Del Toro

The work of Guillermo Del Toro is known for its dark storytelling, monsters, an underlying cynicism of humanity.

History

Books, comics, mythology, fine art, and sculpture have all impacted Del Toro’s work, establishing him as a clever, idiosyncratic filmmaker who does not compromise on his artistic visions to appease producers.

A protégé of the Academy Award-winning special effects artist Dick Smith, Del Toro went on to establish his own special effects and make-up company, and later produce and direct Mexican television.

Guillermo Del Toro became sought after following the success of his debut feature film Cronos, which won nine Mexican Academy Awards and the Critic’s Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Mimic was his first Hollywood project, but it was The Devil’s Backbone that continued Del Toro’s projection and helped establish his unique sensibilities. Directing Blade II swiftly segued into writing and directing Hellboy, and really beginning to stamp his trademark on mainstream audiences.