Actor Oscar Isaac shares insights into his portrayal of Victor Frankenstein in Guillermo del Toro's Netflix film, alongside discussions on Julian Schnabel's In the Hand of Dante and the documentary King Hamlet. The projects span centuries and explore themes of creation, trauma, and artistry. Isaac highlights the gothic superhero aspects of his character and the collaborative joy on set.
Frankenstein: A Gothic Superhero Tale
In Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic, Oscar Isaac embodies Victor Frankenstein, the ambitious scientist bringing his creation to life. The film, now streaming on Netflix, earned Isaac a Best Actor in a Drama nomination at the Golden Globes. Isaac describes Victor as a 'gothic superhero,' delving into the character's sensuality, rage, and deep-seated wounds from childhood trauma. 'The pleasure and the sensuality of the character, the monstrosity of the character, the rage,' Isaac explains, emphasizing how Victor's need for control stems from unresolved pain.
The story transcends monster tropes, focusing on generational trauma and cycles of inheritance. Isaac notes the circular motifs in the sets and narrative, symbolizing hope when the creature breaks the pattern. He draws parallels to modern issues, like the ethics of creation akin to AI, but stresses it's more about human flaws: 'Natural stupidity rather than artificial intelligence.' Working with del Toro was a highlight, filled with humor and inclusivity that infused the dark tale with joy.
In the Hand of Dante: Dual Roles Across Time
Julian Schnabel's epic sees Isaac in dual roles as 14th-century poet Dante Alighieri and modern author Nick Tosches, based on Tosches' novel. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, the film examines artistry amid commerce and exile. Isaac praises Schnabel's intuitive, expressionistic approach: 'He trusts his intuition above all else.' The narrative weaves strands of identity, with Tosches reconnecting to his creative core through Dante's legacy.
King Hamlet: Personal Documentary
Directed by Isaac's wife, Elvira Lind, King Hamlet chronicles his 2017 Off-Broadway Hamlet production amid personal milestones, including his mother's passing and son's birth. 'It's this incredible remembrance of this moment in time when all these strands came together,' Isaac says. The film intertwines life, vocation, and self, echoing poet David Whyte's ideas on balanced marriages.
These projects showcase Isaac's versatility across eras, from 18th-century horror to historical epics and intimate docs.
