Guillermo del Toro: Is Saying ‘Art Is Not Important’ Always a Prelude to Fascism?
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Synopsis
Guillermo del Toro's powerful speech at the Palm Springs Film Festival highlights the vital role of art in society. He warns filmmakers against those who downplay art’s significance, linking such attitudes to fascism. Discover why del Toro believes monsters hold the key to understanding our complex world.
Key Takeaways
- Art is crucial to humanity and should never be dismissed.
- Ignoring the importance of art can lead to dangerous ideologies.
- Del Toro believes in the power of monsters as metaphors for understanding life's complexities.
- Encouragement and kindness are essential for aspiring filmmakers.
- Ambition is intertwined with both success and failure.
Los Angeles, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro has important advice for those dreaming of making films. While attending the Palm Springs International Film Festival, he urged emerging filmmakers to ignore claims that art is not important, stating that such rhetoric is often a precursor to fascism.
During the 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards brunch, he accepted an honor and shared his thoughts, as reported by Variety. He said, “Be kind, be involved, believe in your art. When people assert that art doesn’t matter, it is typically the beginning of fascism. If they say an app can create art, respond by asking why they value it so much. The answer lies in their attempt to diminish what makes us more human. In my perspective, this includes monsters.”
He also reminisced about the “religious experience” of viewing James Whale’s 1931 ‘Frankenstein’ for the first time. According to Variety, he was accompanied by Sara Karloff, daughter of the original 'Frankenstein' actor, Boris Karloff.
Del Toro added, “Sometimes, the world becomes so intricate that it can only be interpreted through the lens of monsters. We are in such a time now. It’s not merely about screen size; it’s about the magnitude of the idea. Ambition is closely linked to failure, which is right next to success. There are no labels on that door. You might open it to find either your dream supermodel or your mother in curlers.”
‘Frankenstein’ debuted on Netflix on October 17, 2025.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge Guillermo del Toro's poignant observations about the importance of art in contemporary society. His remarks resonate deeply in a world where cultural expression is sometimes undermined. Del Toro's stance not only champions creativity but serves as a vital reminder of the potential dangers when art is devalued.
NationPress
09/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Guillermo del Toro say about the importance of art?
Guillermo del Toro emphasized that dismissing art's significance is often a precursor to fascism, urging filmmakers to believe in their craft.
What event did Guillermo del Toro speak at?
He spoke at the Palm Springs International Film Festival during the 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards brunch.
What classic film did del Toro reference?
Del Toro referred to James Whale’s 1931 film ‘Frankenstein’ as a significant influence on his understanding of art.
What does del Toro believe about monsters in storytelling?
He believes that during complex times, monsters can help us explain and navigate the world around us.
When was ‘Frankenstein’ released on Netflix?
‘Frankenstein’ was released on Netflix on October 17, 2025.
