Unauthorized examinations of subjects such as films and popular culture in book form are often characterized by their general approach to complex people and works of art, with sub par photos and a general amateur feel.
Ian Nathan’s brand new Guillermo del Toro: The Iconic Filmaker and His Work from White Lion Publishing (an imprint of The Quatro Group) is the antithesis to this commonly accepted notion about unauthorized texts, and provides information, photos, and analysis that any fan of del Tor would be proud to own.
Nathan examines the progression of del Toro’s career in a chronological fashion with sumptuous photographs and deft analysis of not only his body of work, but also the many influences and inspirations that inform his films. As any casual fan of del Toro knows, the writer/director is a super fan of genre films and literature, and all of these influences are on display in each individual chapter.
The book naturally begins by examining his beginnings in Mexico, and his well-documented love of monsters and filmmaking from an early age, but Nathan continues to place his processes, themes, and narratives in the proper context with extensive commentary about how they have shaped each one of his previous films.
For those looking for examinations of del Toro’s narrative techniques and stylistic and creative choices, they will not be disappointed with critical and honest analysis that Nathan provides. Case in point, Nathan does not shy away from the great struggle that del Toro experienced during the making of his first studio film, Mimic, with copious notes and quotes from the filmmaker about the film that almost ended his career before it started. The academic nature of the text is authentically married to the honest reactions and reflections of del Toro in chapters like the one on Mimic, satisfying fans and scholars alike.
Aside from the contents within the book, the presentation is equally impressive with a sturdy slipcase and a 8-page gatefold section that provides a visual timeline of all of del Toro’s films and television projects.
Guillermo del Toro: The Iconic Filmaker and His Work is currently available at finer comic book shops and bookstores worldwide and retails for $35.00.
