Guillermo del Toro, a name synonymous with gothic horror, has crafted some of the most iconic films in the genre. Yet, one of his works, the 2015 film Crimson Peak, remains markedly underrated despite its innovative approach. This film stands out not only for its visual grandeur but also for del Toro’s deliberate subversion of traditional gothic tropes. Unlike the typical brooding hero found in gothic narratives, del Toro chose a path less traveled.
In his exploration of the darker human emotions, del Toro revealed, “The dark brooding hero is proven innocent of all the charges. And I wanted very much to make a movie where he is guilty, he’s complicit.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Crimson Peak, where del Toro flips the script, challenging the innocence of his protagonist, Thomas Sharpe, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston. This twist in character development not only enriches the narrative but also adds a layer of melancholy to the already somber ambiance of the film.
A Tragic Tale of Gothic Proportions
Crimson Peak is more than just a ghost story; it is an exploration of the tragic dimensions of love. Del Toro explains the depth of this tragedy, stating, “A Gothic romance is about how you are paralyzed and you cannot move into the future unless you can solve the past.” This perspective shifts the film from mere horror to a poignant study of its characters’ psyches. The protagonists are haunted not just by literal ghosts but by the unresolved issues of their pasts.
Del Toro’s choice to infuse the narrative with genuine human emotions and flawed characters offers a refreshing take on the gothic romance genre. The melancholic tone of Crimson Peak is further amplified by its setting and the profound isolation felt by its characters, enveloped in a hauntingly beautiful, yet eerie mansion.
The Underrated Gem in Del Toro’s Filmography
Despite its artistic achievements and critical acclaim, Crimson Peak did not achieve significant box office success. This lack of commercial recognition does not detract from the film’s value as a genre-defining piece. Del Toro’s films, such as Pan’s Labyrinth, are celebrated for their beautiful, bittersweet endings, but Crimson Peak adopts a distinctly sadder tone, aligning with its thematic focus on the inescapable shadows of love and history.
Guillermo del Toro has indeed crafted a film that challenges conventional storytelling in gothic horror, making Crimson Peak a must-watch for aficionados of the genre and film scholars alike. It is a testament to del Toro’s genius and a profound statement on the complexities of human emotions, making it one of the most unique yet underrated movies in his illustrious career.