'Don't Be Afraid of the Dark' is the Newest Example of Guillermo Del Toro's Genius

When the name Guillermo Del Toro is brought up in conversation, the first thing that comes to people's minds are images of dark fantasy, horror, and things that go bump in the night. He has become known for his fascination with all things gothic and horrific. Sometimes he takes the helm of these projects. Other times he just writes and produces them. Either way, he has put himself on the map through working on some of the best genre films in the last two decades.

"Don't Be Afraid of the Dark"

Del Toro recently wrote and produced the remake of "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark." This film has everything a classic gothic horror movie needs. It has the old creepy mansion, thunderstorms, a tormented child, the forbidden basement, and little creatures. This is one of the finest examples of a modern day genre film. It will become a timeless classic because of its minimal use of CGI and the fact that nothing will ever look too dated. The only things in the movie that give away the fact that this was filmed in the present were the BMW the characters drove and the use of cell phones.

"Pan's Labyrinth"

"Pan's Labyrinth" is probably the single most ambitious movie Del Toro has ever done. He created, wrote, produced, and directed it. It was his film completely. This movie fully showcases the mind of a true horror genius. "Pan's Labyrinth" isn't a horror movie, but more of a dark fairy tale. It's a lot closer to the real "Grimm's Fairy Tales" than any of the Walt Disney versions, that's for sure.

"Blade II"

Del Toro let his comic book geek flag fly with two different characters from the printed page. The first time was when he helmed 2002's "Blade II." He showed his deep respect for the comic book world by treating the material with seriousness and not reducing it to campy or action film fodder. It successfully combined the elements of an action film and horror film. "Blade II" also featured one of the scariest new breeds of vampire I've ever seen.

"Hellboy"

The second comic book adaptation Del Toro worked on was "Hellboy." He completely immersed himself in the world of this character. He directed and wrote two films featuring the demon hero. He also produced two animated features and a short based on him as well. The "Hellboy" films seem as if they were tailor-made for Del Toro. They feature supernatural characters battling evil villains in an underworld that exists just below the surface of the human world. It also features an underlying lesson through the character of Hellboy. Hellboy is a demon, but he doesn't want to be evil. It's up to you to decide what you're going to do with your life.

"The Orphanage"

One film that Del Toro took under his production wing that made a big impact in the horror genre was "The Orphanage." This Spanish film is another perfect example of Del Toro's keen eye for talent. It again has all the elements needed for a great gothic horror story. You have the little kid who sees things and the big gloomy house again for starters. "The Orphanage" won 31 awards and was nominated for 34, once again proving Del Toro knows a good idea and script when he sees it.

Guillermo Del Toro is a name we will be hearing for years to come. I believe he will become one of the most important figures in the world of film. It would not surprise me if he were a talent that people will be reading about in cinema history books decades from now.

For more articles by Eric Shirey, check out:

Zombies Beware! Alice is Back for 'Resident Evil: Retribution'
'Don't Be Afraid of the Dark' Not a Ghost Story
Interview with 'Final Destination 5' Actor Miles Fisher

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