Guillermo del Toro: The Iconic Filmmaker and his Work(Iconic Filmmakers Series)

Guillermo del Toro is a complete and intimate study of the life and work of one of modern cinema's most truly unique directors, whose distinct aesthetic and imagination are unmatched in contemporary film. Widely regarded as one of the most imaginative directors working in cinema today, Guillermo del Toro has built up a body of work that has enthralled movie fans with its dark beauty and edge-of-the-seat set pieces. In this book, acclaimed author Ian Nathan charts the progression of a career that has produced some of contemporary cinema’s most revered scenes and idiosyncratic characters. This detailed examination looks at how the strands of del Toro’s career have woven together to create one of modern cinema’s most ground-breaking bodies of work. Delving deep into del Toro's psyche, the book starts by examining his beginnings in Mexico, the creative but isolated child surrounded by ornate catholicism and monster magazines, filming stop motion battles between his toys on a Super-8 film camera.  It follows him to film school, where we learn of his influences, from Kafka to Bunuel, and explores his 1993 debut Cronos, the independent horror debut which draws on the religious and occult themes which would recur throughout del Toro's work. It goes on to cover his development as a director with 1997's Mimic, his blockbuster success with the Hellboy films and goes on to study the films which have cemented his status as a legendary auteur, Oscar award winners Pan's Labrynth and The Shape of Water, as well as his sci-fi masterpiece Pacific Rim, as well as looking at his exciting upcoming projects Nightmare Alley and Pinocchio. An enlightening look into the mind of an auteur blessed with a singular creative vision, Guillermo del Toro analyses the processes, themes and narratives that have come to be recognised as distinctly del Toro, from practical effects to an obsession with folklore and paganism. It looks into the narrative techniques, stylistic flourishes and creative decisions which have made him a true master of modern cinema. Presented in a slipcase with 8-page gatefold section, with scores of illuminating photographs of the director at work on set as well as iconic stills from his films and examples of his influences, this stunning package will delight all Guillermo del Toro devotees and movie lovers in general. Unauthorised and Unofficial.

Table of Contents:
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1. ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICOThe early years & Cronos (1993) 2. TUNNEL VISIONMimic (1997) 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS The Devil's Backbone (2001) 4. BLOOD RUSH Blade II (2002) 5. BIG RED Hellboy (2004) & Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) 6. RITES OF PASSAGE Pan's Labyrinth (2006) 7. BLOCK BUSTING Pacific Rim 8. FREAK HOUSE Crimson Peak (2015) 9. THE LOVE AQUATIC The Shape of Water (2017) 10. CIRCUS FREAKS Nightmare Alley & Pinocchio (2021 - TBC) FIILMOGRAPHY & CREDITS

About the Author :
Ian Nathan, who lives and works in London, is one of the UK's best-known film writers. He is the author of nine previous books, including Alien Vault, the best-selling history of Ridley Scott's masterpiece, Terminator Vault, Tarantino, Tim Burton, The Coen Brothers and Anything You Can Imagine: Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle-earth. He is the former editor and executive editor of Empire, the world's biggest movie magazine, where he remains a contributing editor. He also regularly contributes to The Times, The Independent, The Mail on Sunday, Cahiers Du Cinema and the Discovering Film documentary series on Sky Arts.

Review :
"The book manages to break down Del Toro’s career into a book that is both informative, engaging and easy to dip into. Casual fans will learn all about his biggest films and more, and hardcore fans should love it." "It’s the type of book that will give you endless “oh, did you know…” ammunition for any conversation on his work...a beautifully put together book that would grace any bookcase or coffee table..." "The photos alone are enough for a fan to covet this fine book (which comes in its own slipcase), but Nathan's essays also help tie together Del Toro's career, making an argument for him as a rare artist with a cohesive, personal vision and style." "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." "...this is a terrific book with insightful, eloquent writing from Nathan that fed my artistic soul." "...full of interesting stories and full-colour stills and behind the scenes photos from the movies. It's a fun coffee table book that would make a good gift for someone interested in Del Toro's work, or filmmaking in general." "Despite being unofficial and unauthorized, this comprehensive volume blooms with gorgeous, sometimes grotesque imagery and knowledgeable, occasionally indulgent reverence for del Toro’s estimable body of work."