The Interview Guillermo del Toro, director: I only make movies for art
Mar 4, 2026
Guillermo del Toro, Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker known for blending fantasy, horror and Gothic romance, talks about his Catholic childhood, the influence of his father and great-aunt, and why he pursues 'lost causes'. He discusses Hitchcock’s discipline, early Super 8 filmmaking and effects work, and his stance on AI versus human-made art.
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Lottery Win Created Solitary Childhood
- Guillermo del Toro described his father's sudden lottery win and the huge house that left him free to roam and avoid adults for weeks.
- That suburban white elephant created childhood solitude that fed his imagination and cinematic escapism.
Childhood Mortification Shaped Religious Fears
- Del Toro recounted his great-aunt placing upside-down bottle caps in his shoes to make his feet bleed as penance for original sin.
- The ritual instilled a lasting childhood fear of death and purgatory that influenced his films' religious themes.
Nightly Vigil Cemented Fear Of Death
- As a child he slept at the foot of his great-aunt's bed and anxiously checked her breathing, calling three minutes after goodbyes to ensure she was alive.
- Those nightly vigil habits created a lifelong preoccupation with mortality and care.