Isaac, del Toro behind-the-scenes on Frankenstein.
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‘Frankenstein’ Director Guillermo del Toro Talks Monsters, AI and Netflix
Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a centuries old Gothic novel penned in 1818, generated a wide variety of hard-hitting questions at today’s Venice Film Festival press conference as the filmmaker was asked about artificial intelligence, Netflix’s strategy of theatrical releases and the real monsters in present day society.
The veteran filmmaker fielded a much softer one to start the afternoon session on Saturday as he was asked why he’s been obsessed with making a Frankenstein film ever since he was 7 years old.
“Honestly, it’s sort of a dream that was more than that, it was a religion for me since I was a kid. I was raised very Catholic, and I never quite understood the saints. Then when I saw Boris Karloff on the screen, I understood what a saint or a messiah looked like,” del Toro explained during the press conference at which he was joined by his cast including Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer and composer Alexandre Desplat. “I always waited for the movie to be done in the right conditions, both creatively in terms of achieving the scope that that it needed for me to make it different, and to make it at a scale that you could reconstruct the whole world. Now I’m in postpartum depression.”
Del Toro directed from his own screenplay, and the story centers on Victor Frankenstein, played by Isaac, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature (Elordi) to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.
Getting the lead role proved to be a dream come true for Isaac.
“I can’t believe that I’m here right now. I can’t believe we got to this place from two years ago, sitting at [Guillermo’s] table eating Cuban pork and and talking about our fathers and our lives, to him saying, ‘I want you to be Victor, then not really being sure if it was true or if I was just dreaming. It just seemed like such a pinnacle,” he explained. “For Guillermo to then say, ‘I’m creating this banquet for you, you just have to show up and eat,’ that was the truth. It felt like a fusion. I just hooked myself into Guillermo, and we flung ourselves down the well.”
Frankenstein premieres tonight, Aug. 30, inside Sala Grande followed by a limited theatrical release on Oct. 17, and a global bow by Netflix on Nov. 7. A journalist asked del Toro if there’s an agreement in place with Netflix regarding how many films it will be released in and whether or not he’s happy with the arrangement.
“I mean, look at my size. I always want more of everything,” del Toro quipped before focusing on the debate of theatrical versus streaming. “To me, the battle we are going to fight in telling stories is in two fronts. Obviously there’s the size of the screen, but the size of the ideas is very important. The size of the ambition, the size of the artistic hunger that you bring to cinema is a matter of can we reclaim scale and we reclaim scale of ideas? Can we challenge ourselves to that? It’s a dialog, and it’s a very fluid dialog.”
That said, the filmmaker, who is a regular collaborator of Netflix, said he is happy to take the streamer’s reach of more than 300 million viewers worldwide. “You take the opportunity and the challenge to make a movie that can transform itself variably, beautifully, and that evokes that cinema, and then you provide theaters for that on the beginning, and that makes, for me, a very creative experience.”
On the subject of how the movie’s monstrous themes reflect the current times, del Toro confirmed that “we live in a time of terror and intimidation, certainly,” but the counter to that “is love.” And the counter to artificial intelligence is intelligence.
“I’m not afraid of AI,” del Toro said flatly. “I’m afraid of natural stupidity, which is much more abundant.”
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LSU vs. Clemson live updates: Tigers battle as top draft prospects Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik headline
A top-10 showdown in Death Valley (East) could be the best of a terrific Week 1 college football slate to open the 2025 season.No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson has more than enough storylines to keep you interested.
In Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik vs. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, you have two of the most popular options to be taken No. 1 overall in next year’s NFL Draft. It’s why multiple NFL general managers are expected to be inside Memorial Stadium on Saturday. But, it doesn’t stop there.
It’s “DLU” (Clemson’s Peter Woods, T.J. Parker) vs. what could be LSU’s reemergence as “DBU” after an aggressive offseason talent overhaul. It’s star receivers (LSU’s Nic Anderson and Barion Brown) vs. star receivers (Clemson’s Antonio Williams, Bryant Wesco Jr.) It’s Dabo Swinney vs. Brian Kelly. Tigers vs. Tigers.
A win puts the victor on the fast track to making the College Football Playoff. A loss makes the path that much more treacherous, especially for LSU and a slate that still includes six preseason top 25 SEC teams.
Keep it locked here as CBS Sports provides you with live updates, highlights and analysis as LSU battles Clemson to open the 2025 season in Week 1.
Jelena Ostapenko finally offered an apology for her U.S. Open altercation with Taylor Townsend, three days after the fact and on social media.
As Townsend moves on in Flushing Meadows — winning again in doubles on Saturday and slated for singles Round of 16 on Sunday — the beaten Ostapenko sought to move on from the fervor she caused by her on-court tantrum following a 7-5, 6-1 loss, when she told the victorious American that she had “no education.”
Townsend, who is black, added in an on-court interview that Ostapenko had accused her of having “no class” as well. Numerous players came to Townsend’s defense in the ensuing days, including Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff.
On Saturday, Ostapenko belatedly took to social media “to apologize for some of the things” she said. While Ostapenko wasn’t specific and didn’t mention Townsend, she did offer up the language barrier as an alibi.
“English is not my native language, so when I said education, I was speaking only about what I believe as tennis etiquette, but I understand how the words I used could have offended many people beyond the tennis court,” Ostapenko wrote. “I appreciate the support as I continue to learn and grow as a person and a tennis player. Goodbye New York and I look forward to being back next year.”
Townsend has tried to take the high road.
“That has been a stigma in our community of being not educated and all of the things when it’s the furthest thing from the truth,” Townsend said.
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Townsend continued to roll along in Flushing Meadows.
She’s slated to play Barbora Krejcikova in the Round of 16 on Sunday, and teamed with Katerina Siniakova for a second-round 6-3, 6-3 doubles win over Alycia Parks and Dayana Yastremska on Court 12 on Saturday.
They’ve risen to the top-ranked doubles team after winning Wimbledon last year and this year’s Australian Open. Now they’re into the third round.
Venus Williams, at the age of 45, teamed with Leylah Fernandez for a 7-6, 6-1 doubles win over Ulrikke Eikeri and Erl Hozuml, completed with her signature twirl at the end.
The first week of the U.S. Open has been dramatic, between blowups by Daniil Medvedev and Ostapenko and Stefanos Tsitsipas. But some players suggested it may be the city bringing out the drama.
“We’re in New York, and the fans here — I love them — but they can definitely … you’re on the wrong side of things, can … they’re into the match. They’re passionate tennis fans. They know what’s going on,” Gauff said. “And they’re used to other events, major events, happening in the city that aren’t tennis.”
Jess Pegula, from upstate New York, agreed the city may be playing a role.
“I don’t know. It’s just New York City tends to bring out just a lot of drama, I guess,” Pegula laughed. “I feel like the crowds, they’re pretty crazy. They kind of get everyone riled up. Like you said, everyone is tense.”
Well, that was something.
Florida State firmly sent all memories of 2024 to a deep, dark place in everybody’s brain in its season opener — not just beating Alabama, but firmly dominating the Tide through four quarters after jumping out to a 14-7 lead.
Heading into the matchup as two-touchdown underdogs, FSU utilized explosive plays and consistent defensive pressure to execute a nearly-flawless performance, the lone slip-up coming in the form of a muffed punt.
What’s there to make of the Seminoles’ shocker over the Tide? The Tomahawk Nation staff is here to break it down.
What aspect of FSU’s performance shocked you the most today?
NoleThruandThru: The offensive line, particularly Petitbon and Hansen, were far better than I thought they’d be. Petitbon is easily the best center FSU has had since the heights of the Jimbo Fisher era. I was also very happy to see that FSU didn’t run out of steam late in the game. I was afraid Bama’s depth would be the difference in the fourth quarter but FSU showed up and showed out.
Jon Marchant: Florida State’s defense. They were fast and physical. Honorable mention goes to the offensive line who looked like a cohesive unit.
LastNoleofKrypton: Just the complete physical domination of Alabama. Talent-wise, that roster is top 3 and FSU made both of their LOS look pedestrian despite being undersized!
Jon Loesche: FSU’s defense answered the call time and again, especially after Alabama marched down the field with ease on the opening drive. The fourth down stop following the punt return mishap was the kind of moment that shows just how much this group has grown.
Evenflow58: There’s a lot to choose from. Going from last year to this is a massive change. If I had to pick something I’d go with the defense. I think Bama’s game plan was horrific and I have no clue why they abandoned the run so early but the defense played lights out. They generated quite a few negative plays and rarely broke. Heck, they even made smart PI penalties when needed.
Jacob Smith: Thomas Castellanos is now the savior of Florida State football. I kept saying “Wow” after seeing him scramble.
Tim Scribble: The overall composure of the team, including the coaching staff. Mike Norvell appeared less stressed the entire game (competent coaching staff?). The offensive line was ready to play, the defensive scheme worked. TC looked in comfortable and in control. It was a completely different team from last year.
Frank DNole: The way both the offensive and defensive lines were able to dominate Bama’s O & D lines. It’s not often Bama’s lines get manhandled like they were today.
Perry Kostidakis: I’m in the same boat as LSK — after that opening Alabama drive, I figured it was going to be a battle of wills in the trenches but despite some big plays in the pass game, FSU absoloutely shut down anything Alabama tried to get going. Florida State’s offensive line gave Tommy Castellanos a clear pocket all night, paving the way for massive runs by the quarterback and FSU’s stable of running backs.
How much have your expectations changed based on today’s win?
NoleThruandThru: How can they not change? Injuries are always a concern but FSU just proved they can go head to head with the vast majority of teams in the nation. I predicted 7-5 originally but give me 9-3 now. Dare I say the ACC Championship game is no longer out of reach either?
Jon Marchant: I had 7-5 so I will go a full game up to 8-4, could go to 9-3 after I see how they respond in coming weeks
LastNoleofKrypton: 9-3 has to be your floor now; preseason projection wise this was either the likely or most likely game that you were expected to lose
Jon Loesche: Alabama clearly isn’t the same program without Saban, but you can’t discount a win this dominant. If FSU stays healthy, they just might sneak into Charlotte.
Evenflow58: I’m trying to not let it change my expectations. It’s one game. A great game but it’s still just one game. If they can show over the next few weeks that this isn’t a flash in the pan I might be looking forward to 9 wins instead of 6.
Jacob Smith: I said 16-0 as a joke, but if they can do this against Miami, Clemson, UF, and everyone else, make no mistake when I say this team is back.
Tim Scribble: Not to be a downer, but you wonder how legit Alabama is? Saying that, this team should compete in every game if it stays healthy. If they don’t hit at least ten wins, is that a disappointment?
Frank DNole: They haven’t changed from my original 9-3 just yet. After FSU beats Clemson and Miami, I will revisit my expectations.
Perry Kostidakis: If that’s the team we’re going to see week in and week out, then the ceiling for this team has been raised exponentially in my eyes. The big games — Clemson, Miami and Florida — are still questionable as far as the rest of the slate goes, nine wins is more than within reach.
More impressive: offense or defense?
NoleThruandThru: Defense was a very pleasant surprise overall. The main glaring issue was finishing on tackles, with James Williams, Shy Brown, and Jabril Rawls as the three worst offenders, but the D wasn’t intimidated by Bama. If NFL Draft position was predicated on getting away with holding calls, Kadyn Proctor is your #1 pick.
Jon Marchant: Equal? The offense destroyed Alabama with the power read, they could not stop it all game. The defensive front was more physical than Bama’s offensive line.
LastNoleofKrypton: Defense, what they did today to hold Alabama to 17 points despite no major turnovers was just proof of their physical domination and sound technique. The first drive it looked like they couldn’t set the edge to save their lives; after that Bama couldn’t score again until some missed holding calls gave them some rhythm. Dominated.
Jon Loesche: The offense showed more in one game than it did all last season. Talk your shit, Tommy.
Evenflow58: Again, a tough one because both played so much better than I could have thought but I think I’d have to go with defense. They were on the field a lot late and still found ways to come through.
Jacob Smith: Both were equally impressive. I think a slight edge goes to the defense. Keeping Bama to 17 is unbelievably impressive considering they had Ryan Williams. I anticipated a legacy game from him. Guess not.
Tim Scribble: Offense. Last year was a disaster at just about every position. Tommy made all the right choices, the offensive line was a beast, wide receivers blocked and got open, and the running backs ran hard.
Frank DNole: Defense, I never thought they could basically shut down Bama’s offense except for 3 drives.
Perry Kostidakis: I have to go with the defense as well. The response after the opening drive was one thing, but each time that Alabama seemed to get a little bit of momentum and start pushing deep into FSU territory, the Seminoles were able to make a play and keep the Tide contained. Tony White absolutely deserves his flowers.
Was today the biggest win of Norvell’s career?
NoleThruandThru: I think the ACC Championship without Jordan Travis is still his biggest to date, but this one is right up there with the two LSU victories in the upper tier. Perhaps ambitious SEC teams should stop scheduling FSU as their opener…
Jon Marchant: No, that goes to his ACC Championship, but I bet this one FEELS like the biggest.
LastNoleofKrypton: Yes, this surpasses 2023 LSU and the ACC Championship because of the perception of your program.
Jon Loesche: This one belongs on his Mount Rushmore alongside 2021 Miami, 2022 LSU, and 2023 Clemson.
Evenflow58: Maybe but I still think the first UNC win was bigger because of what it led to. I think we need to see how this builds to give is proper context.
Jacob Smith: I think the 2023 ACC Championship tops this slightly, but I have no problem putting this at #2.
Tim Scribble: Biggest win was the LSU blowout in 2023. But for his personal security, this is the biggest win since the Syracuse game in 2021.
Frank DNole: Yes, absolutely. If I were his agent I would be hitting up Alford for a new contract with a substantial pay increase
Perry Kostidakis: Again, I’m with LSK — based on the perception of the program and the expectations heading into this matchup, this win is something that FSU (fanbase, players and coaching staff) needed desperately.
NoleThruandThru: A full and rocking Doak Campbell Stadium is a beautiful sight to behold. I said in my (incorrect) score prediction that I hoped Seminole faithful would capture the nation’s attention again, and y’all did it!
Jon Marchant: Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh I can’t believe they dominated Alabama. The Gus Bus is Bama kryptonite and this particular bald defensive coordinator has a really fun modern scheme.
LastNoleofKrypton: No more words needed, thank you goat
Jon Loesche: 5. Arguably the best start to finish performance in a big game since the 2023 opener against LSU. Hats off to everyone in the program for the turnaround.
Tim Scribble: Well, I feel vindicated for saying Tommy C would have made a difference last year but I was definitely wrong on this team being ready this year. For tonight, the coaching changes look like a home run, the portal additions are exactly what was needed, and FSU is the center of college football.
Evenflow58: This is nuts. I started today hoping FSU would lose by less than 14 and they won by 14! I still don’t understand how that’s possible. I might watch this game three times and not understand how that’s possible.
Jacob Smith: I think this was so much more than a football game. This is a program and school that desperately needed this. Florida State fans, students, professors, everyone I believe is still healing from the tragedy back in April. This was so much bigger than football. You could feel it. It felt like a celebration of life. I’m so happy for all the players and staff. They deserve this. Go Noles!
Frank DNole: Too big of a win to not to repost this.
Perry Kostidakis: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
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