Guide on Screenwriting Motivation from Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Toro's screenwriting creativity bursts forth from a multitude of sources - folklore, fairy tales, literature, art, and his distinctly Mexican roots. These influences help create his breathtaking, hauntingly beautiful and intricate storytelling that sets the bar high for any writer seeking to elevate their craft. In this guide, you'll learn:
- The diverse wellsprings nourishing del Toro's imagination
- How his unique style and techniques contribute to screenplay success
- Ways to integrate these insights into your own writing adventures
Learn how del Toro's creative genius can elevate your writing journey!
Folklore, Fairy Tales, and legends: The Goods in Guillermo's Storeroom
Del Toro takes a deep dive into global folklore, creating familiar-yet-fresh narratives. Examples from "Pan's Labyrinth" to "The Devil's Backbone" feature a fusion of the universal threads from our childhood tales and spooky myths – giving you a blueprint to craft stories that resonate.
- Universal Folklore: Draw from a vast range of folklore to craft engaging stories based on relatable themes. Let the myths be your source for universal appeal.
- Childhood tales & Myths: Lean on the nostalgia of traditional children's tales and spook-laden myths to enchant your audience. Give old stories a fresh spin to create an imaginative world.
Gothic horror and horror literature: Del Toro's Grey Palace
Gothic tales are GIFs that linger in del Toro's filmography. Classics like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Edgar Allan Poe's tales echo throughout his work. Embracing the dark corners of human nature can enrich your scripts by exploring themes of identity and inner turmoil.
- Themes of Identity: Dissect and dismantle characters, revealing their true selves and inner struggles. Build narratives that explore the complexities of self-identity.
- Inner Darkness: Uncover the hidden horrors lurking in the deep recesses of a character's heart. Shine a light on their inner demons and exposed vulnerabilities.
Visual Art and Artists: Del Toro's Brushstrokes
Del Toro finds inspiration in the works of Francisco Goya and Hieronymus Bosch, two masters of visual storytelling. By using color, symbolism, and imagery, developers can create worlds that speak without words, just like del Toro's fantastical landscapes.
- Color and Symbolism: Use vivid colors and meaningful symbols to evoke various emotions and atmospheres. Reveal your characters' innermost thoughts visually, allowing the audience to experience the story indirectly.
- Imagery and Storytelling: Draw inspiration from visual art, using visual techniques to immaculately convey the beauty and the beast of your narrative. Emulate the masters like Goya to craft intricate images that captivate your audience.
To create scripts that go beyond conventional narratives, mix these elements with your unique voice. Use folklore to anchor relatable tales, tap into gothic elements for depth, and let visual art guide your aesthetics. By combining these components, you'll weave a tapestry of narratives that captivate audiences globally.
- To infuse storytelling with a unique touch, consider incorporating various folklores from around the world, similar to Guillermo del Toro, and framing them with a modern twist, much like the fusion of childish tales and eerie myths seen in "Pan's Labyrinth" and "The Devil's Backbone."
- For scripts aiming to delve deeper into human psyche, study the works of gothic horror literature authors, such as Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe, and learn to explore themes of identity and inner turmoil, as demonstrated by del Toro's classics, like his adaptations of these timeless stories.
