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Guillermo del Toro, Dans l’antre avec les monstres : mes muses, reliques et autres fétiches
En quelques films emblématiques, Guillermo del Toro est devenu un réalisateur culte de la communauté geek. Chacune de ses productions est attendue et commentée par des milliers de fans enthousiastes. C’est d’abord un univers totalement à part, avec 1 001 références puisées partout dans la culture populaire. Après nous avoir communiqué ses carnets et toutes ses notes où il brosse le portrait de ses personnages (Dans Cabinets de curiosités), il nous ouvre ici les portes de sa célèbre maison et de son incroyable collection d’artefacts du cinéma depuis les années 1930.
152 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 5, 2016
This book is a companion piece to a museum exhibition based on Guillermo del Toro's work and his own personal collection, entitled Bleak House. As stated in the book:
"Guillermo del Toro’s Bleak House represents both a dream and a provocation: the dream of a place filled to bursting with precious objects, and the provocation of seeing those objects displayed according to entirely idiosyncratic criteria."
The book is filled with essays, an interview with del Toro and many stunning photographs of del Toro's massive and brilliant collection of gothic art. This book is both beautiful and informative, a must-read for any del Toro or horror fan.
Thank you to Netgalley and Insight Editions for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
"Guillermo del Toro’s Bleak House represents both a dream and a provocation: the dream of a place filled to bursting with precious objects, and the provocation of seeing those objects displayed according to entirely idiosyncratic criteria."
The book is filled with essays, an interview with del Toro and many stunning photographs of del Toro's massive and brilliant collection of gothic art. This book is both beautiful and informative, a must-read for any del Toro or horror fan.
Thank you to Netgalley and Insight Editions for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2020
At Home with Monsters is an excellent showcase of Guillermo del Toro's Bleak House in Los Angeles. Which contains his impressive collection of horror, fantasy and inspiring objects. Along with several interviews and descriptions of Guillermo's philosophy on life and his work. I thought this was a great read that every fan of Del Toro's work should check out.
The book has a lot of cool pieces of information that show his process in writing and imagining his movies. This book is mostly a memoir and description of Guillermo's thought process and inspiration that he channels into creating amazing works of art. I enjoyed my time reading the interviews about his thought process and philosophy about life and creativity. Being a big fan of his movies, I loved taking a deeper look into what makes Guillermo tick, and in the process inspiring me on my own creative endeavors.
The book has a lot of cool pieces of information that show his process in writing and imagining his movies. This book is mostly a memoir and description of Guillermo's thought process and inspiration that he channels into creating amazing works of art. I enjoyed my time reading the interviews about his thought process and philosophy about life and creativity. Being a big fan of his movies, I loved taking a deeper look into what makes Guillermo tick, and in the process inspiring me on my own creative endeavors.
July 31, 2016
this is mandatory read for any del Toro fans! it's only a little glimpse to the mind and influences of the man himself, but it's fascinating because it's personal and seems very accurate and precise. there's no other director I wish I had the opportunity to sit and talk to with, specially about monsters. I relate heavily with him, specially since we both have a childhood traumatised by the outside notion that our fondness with the dark and misunderstood creatures can only be bad.
I would love to visit bleak house but I fear I would never want to get out.
I would love to visit bleak house but I fear I would never want to get out.
November 9, 2016
Guillermo Del Toro must spend like 80% of his free time going, "Gah! Goddamn it." because his house is mostly life size sculptures of creepy things and creepy people. I've scared the shit out of myself by noticing a broom out of the corner of my eye.
I would also love him to elaborate on his theory that the yokai of Japan help them work through their issues and beliefs because all I can think about is that one Japanese ghost that pops up solely to throw sand in your eyes and then bounce.
I would also love him to elaborate on his theory that the yokai of Japan help them work through their issues and beliefs because all I can think about is that one Japanese ghost that pops up solely to throw sand in your eyes and then bounce.
December 20, 2016
Guillermo del Toro es un apóstol, es un creyente, es un escogido para propagar un mensaje del más allá. En una entrevista del Toro menciona que se hizo amigo de los monstruos cuando apenas podía caminar, hizo un pacto con ellos, lo dejarían ir al baño en la noche y el se dedicaría a aprender sobre ellos, a respetarlos, a darles su lugar. Este catálogo es un pequeño evangelio de estas ideas, sus primeras palabras son una invitación a vibrar en una frecuencia parecida a la de él, los textos de Britt Salvesen y Paul Koudounaris son invitaciones a entender tanto a la colección, como un entendimiento del coleccionista y no tanto del tema de la colección; como de la "teratología", la ciencia de la monstruosidad. Después de 150 páginas de textos e imágenes, la conclusión es una pregunta sobre la verdadera naturaleza de la mounstrosidad, ¿no será que lo mounstroso es realmente la búsqueda de la belleza como perfección?
July 29, 2017
'Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters: Inside His Films, Notebooks, and Collections' by Guillermo del Toro was written as a companion piece to a museum exhibit by three museums. I think even without the exhibit, it's a completely fascinating read.
Guillermo del Toro is known best as a film director, but he is also an avid collector of all kinds of things. His home, Bleak House, is stuffed with items, but his house is also meticulously curated like a museum. He uses the rooms and objects as inspirations for his film ideas. They include life-size statues of famous horror creators and actors, like characters from Tod Browning's Freaks, and H.P. Lovecraft. The Frankenstein monster holds a special place for him and it is a feature in his house.
The book includes a series of essays and interviews separated into two parts. Part one is about collecting monsters and talks about Guillermo del Toro's collecting passion and an interview. The second part is called Inspiration and Obsession and talks about the things that influence the director, like Victoriana, magic, freaks and monsters, and death and the afterlife.
Throughout the book are pictures of the items in the director's house. There are also pictures of his notebooks.
I almost got to see this exhibit last year at LACMA, but the museum was closed on the only day I could make the trip. I really wish I'd been able to view this in person. Guillermo del Toro is a film buff, a culture collector, and appreciates both high and low forms of art with no distinction between the two. He is also creative and passionate about his art, as you can tell from this book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Insight Editions and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Guillermo del Toro is known best as a film director, but he is also an avid collector of all kinds of things. His home, Bleak House, is stuffed with items, but his house is also meticulously curated like a museum. He uses the rooms and objects as inspirations for his film ideas. They include life-size statues of famous horror creators and actors, like characters from Tod Browning's Freaks, and H.P. Lovecraft. The Frankenstein monster holds a special place for him and it is a feature in his house.
The book includes a series of essays and interviews separated into two parts. Part one is about collecting monsters and talks about Guillermo del Toro's collecting passion and an interview. The second part is called Inspiration and Obsession and talks about the things that influence the director, like Victoriana, magic, freaks and monsters, and death and the afterlife.
Throughout the book are pictures of the items in the director's house. There are also pictures of his notebooks.
I almost got to see this exhibit last year at LACMA, but the museum was closed on the only day I could make the trip. I really wish I'd been able to view this in person. Guillermo del Toro is a film buff, a culture collector, and appreciates both high and low forms of art with no distinction between the two. He is also creative and passionate about his art, as you can tell from this book.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Insight Editions and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
August 30, 2018
What a book. It's like a look inside Del Toro's incredible imagination. His collection is extraordinary and I think that like myself, if you dumped the contents of Del Toro's home and collection of incredible fantasy, horror and science fiction books and art and toys, you would get a true look inside of his soul. I would love to own this book and even more, I would love to see this collection on display as it has been in California for some time. A rich and beautiful book both in photos and text. Highly recommend.
November 23, 2016
3.5 stars
This is a must read for any del Toro fan. I wasn't fortunate enough to see the museum exhibit this book at based around, but I don't think that is a must to enjoy this. I will say, though, this is more an academic read. If you don't like dry non-fiction, you might have a hard time getting through this one. But if you love del Toro, I say definitely give this one a try.
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
This is a must read for any del Toro fan. I wasn't fortunate enough to see the museum exhibit this book at based around, but I don't think that is a must to enjoy this. I will say, though, this is more an academic read. If you don't like dry non-fiction, you might have a hard time getting through this one. But if you love del Toro, I say definitely give this one a try.
**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
July 31, 2019
Es un excelente material que vincula los gustos, experiencias y significados que subyacen a la obra de Guillermo Del Toro. Hace honor a la alquimia que tanto le gusta, convierte en oro sus películas y al mismo tiempo cumple la función de repertorio de referencias de cine, pintura, grabados, música y cultura pop.
Además, tiene ensayos sobre la genealogía de los monstruos y una entrevista con Guillermo. :)
Además, tiene ensayos sobre la genealogía de los monstruos y una entrevista con Guillermo. :)
January 31, 2021
I wish I had my partner save his money in buying me this for Christmas. Even though it is nice, it is nowhere near the Cabinet of Curiosity book. I think if you a Guillermo fan just get that book and then for film specific get the books that accompany just that film as this sat inbetween and I felt it such a unnecessary book.
August 1, 2017
Es sencillo pero lleno de toda la magia que ha inspirado a Totoro san a lo largo de su vida. No habla solo de sus producciónes cinematográficas, más bien nos muestra quellos aspectos peculiares que lo hacen destacar así como su famosa casa museo en los angeles a donde tengo que ir ahora.
October 8, 2016
Selfishly, I wanted to see more of del Toro's home, taking stock of every nook and cranny I could scour through the photographs, but I'll settle for the insights into life, death, and art from the man himself. This book is an eclectic curation of del Toro's thoughts and personal belongings, all of which offer a glimpse into his uniquely brilliant world view.
Guillermo's opinion of monsters and what makes them just as human as we are will make you want to go out and buy a plushie of Frankenstein's monster, giving it all the cuddly love it deserves.
Guillermo's opinion of monsters and what makes them just as human as we are will make you want to go out and buy a plushie of Frankenstein's monster, giving it all the cuddly love it deserves.
Read
January 16, 2017Nice accompaniment to the del Toro exhibition at LACMA. The interview included is good as it deals primarily with del Toro's obsession with physical objects. The interview touches on del Toro's beliefs about the spiritual nature of objects.
September 4, 2019
Originally published online at BORG.com.
One of the most fascinating tidbits about fantasy/horror director Guillermo del Toro in the new hardcover book Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters is that del Toro grew up in a collecting home. His father had won the lottery. The details aren’t discussed, but after reading this book, which focuses on one of del Toro’s homes where he displays a collection of fantasy and horror memorabilia, any read would ask where would someone get the money to buy all these things. The closest comparison would be Michael Jackson’s purchase of oddities like Joseph Merrick’s bones. Jackson had billions, but del Toro, whose career has only taken off since the 1990s, has amassed a collection that doesn’t reflect that extreme level of purchasing yet. But he’s on his way.
Guillermo del Toro is known for his visions of fantasy horror as seen in his Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, Mimic, Crimson Peak, and even the beginnings of The Hobbit trilogy. Many are unaware of his creepy home full of fantasy and horror relics that he calls Bleak House. Think of the beginning of an episode of The Ray Bradbury Theater or Friday the 13th TV series or that shop where an old man found a Mogwai for his son in Gremlins and you’ll have an idea of the oddities to be found.
Some of the purchases on display are unique, some rare, but most appear to be mass market items, books, toys, statues, action figures. They cram the rooms of his house much like many people you know who have an obsession with collecting. Sure, del Toro’s house may be creepier than most–custom mannequins of horror greats like H.P. Lovecraft, Ray Harryhausen and Edgar Allen Poe appear to be living in this lair–but Bleak House does not look like anyone actually lives there. A retreat for storing research materials seems more likely. Could anyone, even a fan of all these monsters, wake up everyday to a gigantic head of Boris Karloff as Frankenstein’s monster?
An unusual art exhibition about del Toro premiered in August in Los Angeles at the L.A. County Museum of Art, and that exhibition was expanded into this book. Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters includes photographs, pages from his journals, and interviews with the director and museum professionals. This book is as much about the history of collecting and storing what man amasses in museums through the centuries as much as it is about the idea that what someone collects often says everything about that person.
Ultimately this book would be quite useful to Museum Studies classes as well as students of fantasy and horror. Why do we collect things? Why do we display our treasures the way we do? How did del Toro’s past determine what he became as an adult? And what does it say about a person who amasses this kind of collection? Fans of comic books will appreciate his attention to Jack Kirby. Horror fans will see his fascination with Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine and Forrest Ackerman.
As creepy as the images del Toro creates, but also insightful and a great look at what makes the director tick, Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters is available now.
One of the most fascinating tidbits about fantasy/horror director Guillermo del Toro in the new hardcover book Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters is that del Toro grew up in a collecting home. His father had won the lottery. The details aren’t discussed, but after reading this book, which focuses on one of del Toro’s homes where he displays a collection of fantasy and horror memorabilia, any read would ask where would someone get the money to buy all these things. The closest comparison would be Michael Jackson’s purchase of oddities like Joseph Merrick’s bones. Jackson had billions, but del Toro, whose career has only taken off since the 1990s, has amassed a collection that doesn’t reflect that extreme level of purchasing yet. But he’s on his way.
Guillermo del Toro is known for his visions of fantasy horror as seen in his Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, Mimic, Crimson Peak, and even the beginnings of The Hobbit trilogy. Many are unaware of his creepy home full of fantasy and horror relics that he calls Bleak House. Think of the beginning of an episode of The Ray Bradbury Theater or Friday the 13th TV series or that shop where an old man found a Mogwai for his son in Gremlins and you’ll have an idea of the oddities to be found.
Some of the purchases on display are unique, some rare, but most appear to be mass market items, books, toys, statues, action figures. They cram the rooms of his house much like many people you know who have an obsession with collecting. Sure, del Toro’s house may be creepier than most–custom mannequins of horror greats like H.P. Lovecraft, Ray Harryhausen and Edgar Allen Poe appear to be living in this lair–but Bleak House does not look like anyone actually lives there. A retreat for storing research materials seems more likely. Could anyone, even a fan of all these monsters, wake up everyday to a gigantic head of Boris Karloff as Frankenstein’s monster?
An unusual art exhibition about del Toro premiered in August in Los Angeles at the L.A. County Museum of Art, and that exhibition was expanded into this book. Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters includes photographs, pages from his journals, and interviews with the director and museum professionals. This book is as much about the history of collecting and storing what man amasses in museums through the centuries as much as it is about the idea that what someone collects often says everything about that person.
Ultimately this book would be quite useful to Museum Studies classes as well as students of fantasy and horror. Why do we collect things? Why do we display our treasures the way we do? How did del Toro’s past determine what he became as an adult? And what does it say about a person who amasses this kind of collection? Fans of comic books will appreciate his attention to Jack Kirby. Horror fans will see his fascination with Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine and Forrest Ackerman.
As creepy as the images del Toro creates, but also insightful and a great look at what makes the director tick, Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters is available now.
August 28, 2020
Guillermo del Toro is one of my favorite filmmakers. Pan's Labyrinth was an instrumental influence on my young fantasy-driven mind. I think the first time I watched I was 10 and I was immediately entranced -- and terrified, of course. del Toro's work has fascinated me ever since. I've always been a huge superhero fan and discovering that he'd worked on a Hellboy interpretation was great news. And once again, del Toro delivered and redefined my outlook on monsters and their role as antagonists or reluctant helpers. At Home with Monsters was like a quick dive into del Toro's mind -- something I never thought I'd get to experience. I loved the pages and pages containing del Toro's own notes as well as images of his inspirations.
Writing is one of my hobbies -- one that I've always wished would become more than a hobby -- and this brief look at del Toro's view of creation and presenting his imagination was inspiring. Clearly, I need to build upon my own imaginings and my own stories by cultivating as much outside knowledge as possible.
The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 was because I wanted more. I think about halfway through, the content in this book sort of drops off. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the inserts of del Toro's notebooks and art inspirations, but I wish some more exposition had come with them as well. I was expecting the whole book to be as dense as the first half and then I just slammed through the second half without realizing it was almost over.
A great read for any fan looking for some horror inspiration.
Writing is one of my hobbies -- one that I've always wished would become more than a hobby -- and this brief look at del Toro's view of creation and presenting his imagination was inspiring. Clearly, I need to build upon my own imaginings and my own stories by cultivating as much outside knowledge as possible.
The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 was because I wanted more. I think about halfway through, the content in this book sort of drops off. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the inserts of del Toro's notebooks and art inspirations, but I wish some more exposition had come with them as well. I was expecting the whole book to be as dense as the first half and then I just slammed through the second half without realizing it was almost over.
A great read for any fan looking for some horror inspiration.
March 12, 2019
Had a longish list of things to do for today, then GUILLERMO DEL TORO - AT HOME WITH MONSTERS was delivered and there went all my plans. Never went to see Forrest J Ackerman's mansion but seeing Del Toro's Bleak House sure has made it on my bucket list now.
This is a companion piece to a museum exhibition about Del Toro's extensive collection of movie, literature and general genre memorabilia with accompanying interview and texts dedicated to his love of monsters and how it has influenced his film making and creative process. Apparently he spends half of what he makes from every movie in expanding his collection!
Great insights - CGI allows great control but is not able to allow for natural "accidents" which is why he favours a more traditional mechanical approach in his movies; inspiration needs to come from all corners of life and culture and can't just self referentially be derived of other movies like in most modern day film making - and if there's anything that distracts a little bit it is the fact that the book also includes illustrations from other museums and collections. True, about 3/4 is from Del Toro himself but there is a comparatively large chunk of other related images and determining if this truly was curated by Del Toro or not was a bit of an annoyance. Surely, there was enough to fill up an entire book entirely with his own collection but overall this book is a keeper and will doubtless be perused in regular intervals.
This is a companion piece to a museum exhibition about Del Toro's extensive collection of movie, literature and general genre memorabilia with accompanying interview and texts dedicated to his love of monsters and how it has influenced his film making and creative process. Apparently he spends half of what he makes from every movie in expanding his collection!
Great insights - CGI allows great control but is not able to allow for natural "accidents" which is why he favours a more traditional mechanical approach in his movies; inspiration needs to come from all corners of life and culture and can't just self referentially be derived of other movies like in most modern day film making - and if there's anything that distracts a little bit it is the fact that the book also includes illustrations from other museums and collections. True, about 3/4 is from Del Toro himself but there is a comparatively large chunk of other related images and determining if this truly was curated by Del Toro or not was a bit of an annoyance. Surely, there was enough to fill up an entire book entirely with his own collection but overall this book is a keeper and will doubtless be perused in regular intervals.
July 30, 2017
Guillermo Del Toro nos muestra su casa/ museo que llamó:"Bleak House" en honor a el libro de Charles Dickens "Casa Desolada", en donde a través de varias fotografías y entrevistas comenta sobre las influencias literarias, fílmicas y sus experiencias durante su infancia en Guadalajara, México. Del Toro es un coleccionista de pinturas, maquetas, libros, esculturas y otros artefactos que reflejan el mundo como lo entiende y como existe en su alma, así como explicó el filósofo Jean Baudrillard "El milagro de coleccionar es que siempre lo que se colecciona es a uno mismo".
Los elementos principales que influyen en su arte cinematográfico e inspiran a Del Toro son: la inocencia y la niñez, la era victoriana por el lado sombrío y gótico, la magia, la alquimia y lo oculto, los cómics y la cultura pop, su amor por Frankenstein y el horror, los freaks, los monstruos y por último la muerte y el más allá.
Lo que más me gustó fue su grandiosa biblioteca del horror, que además de ser extensa la complementa con esculturas a tamaño real de H.P. Lovecraft, Linda Blair como Reagan McNeil de El Exorcista y Edgar Allan Poe, fantástico!! Me encantaría leer a lado de estos personajes definitivamente.
Los elementos principales que influyen en su arte cinematográfico e inspiran a Del Toro son: la inocencia y la niñez, la era victoriana por el lado sombrío y gótico, la magia, la alquimia y lo oculto, los cómics y la cultura pop, su amor por Frankenstein y el horror, los freaks, los monstruos y por último la muerte y el más allá.
Lo que más me gustó fue su grandiosa biblioteca del horror, que además de ser extensa la complementa con esculturas a tamaño real de H.P. Lovecraft, Linda Blair como Reagan McNeil de El Exorcista y Edgar Allan Poe, fantástico!! Me encantaría leer a lado de estos personajes definitivamente.
September 22, 2018
Really enjoyed the essays by del Toro and the others about mythology and the role of monsters in culture, especially the idea of how anything different or other have been traditionally considered monsters, so monstrosity is in fact sanctuary for minorities who are different from accepted traditions, for people who cannot achieve the perfection demanded by the society and the more repressive Judeo-Christian canons. The essays and the notebook scans are easily the best parts of the book.
That being said, I'm not a big fan of books that try too hard to translate a museum experience directly into books. They are different media of experience, so a good translation can't and shouldn't be absolutely faithful. Especially for something like the content of this book -- del Toro's work always stood out to me because of the particular organic nature of his visual aesthetics, and to display that in a museum styled book layout - slick blank white page, picture in the middle, caption on the bottom, almost seems to sterilize it. I'm thinking that something more like the MIRRORMASK art book might work better, because Dave McKean also has a part-fevered-dream kind of art style.
That being said, I'm not a big fan of books that try too hard to translate a museum experience directly into books. They are different media of experience, so a good translation can't and shouldn't be absolutely faithful. Especially for something like the content of this book -- del Toro's work always stood out to me because of the particular organic nature of his visual aesthetics, and to display that in a museum styled book layout - slick blank white page, picture in the middle, caption on the bottom, almost seems to sterilize it. I'm thinking that something more like the MIRRORMASK art book might work better, because Dave McKean also has a part-fevered-dream kind of art style.
May 29, 2017
I was lucky enough to see the At Home With Monsters exhibit recently in Minneapolis and this book is a wonderful accompaniment to the exhibit. I enjoyed spotting pieces that I'd seen in person throughout the photographs of Bleak House. I realize this book (and the exhibit) are more about the artistic influences on del Toro's work, but I still wish there were more photos of Bleak House itself and of the pieces in his personal collection, especially for those not fortunate enough to be able to see the exhibit themselves as there were multiple stunning pieces that were wonderfully presented in the actual exhibit that are missing here. The pieces selected from the host museums, however, were well chosen and presented, and the quality of the book itself is great for the price and well worth owning. Still, if you are able to get to the actual exhibit, it's a must see and the quality and variety of the artworks in del Toro's collection are extraordinary.
November 11, 2018
Guillermo del Toro’s house is an amazing treasure trove, and I’m so glad he decided to share it with the world.
Exactly one year ago today, I went to the Bleak House exhibit in Toronto. In it was a vast collection from del Toro‘s home in Los Angeles. He has collected some amazing things: from costumes that appeared in his films, to full-size figures of legends like Lovecraft and Poe. It’s a wonderful mix of horror, literature and geeky stuff - I loved every minute of it.
This book is actually a companion piece to that exhibit. In it are large full-colour photos of some of the pieces that were on display, but also other parts of his house that didn’t make it into the tour. The text accompanying it goes into detail about his childhood obsession with monsters and how it grew into his successful directing career today. It’s actually quite insightful – he likens the idea of monsters to that ‘outsider’ feeling we’ve all felt at one point or another. And that in many cases the monsters are not really monsters, but are really the most human of us all.
I don’t think I am explaining it all that well - you really need to just read it for yourself. And if his Bleak House exhibit ever does go on tour again, I highly recommend it. This beautiful book is definitely five stars. And now I am in the mood to go back and rewatch some of his films!
Exactly one year ago today, I went to the Bleak House exhibit in Toronto. In it was a vast collection from del Toro‘s home in Los Angeles. He has collected some amazing things: from costumes that appeared in his films, to full-size figures of legends like Lovecraft and Poe. It’s a wonderful mix of horror, literature and geeky stuff - I loved every minute of it.
This book is actually a companion piece to that exhibit. In it are large full-colour photos of some of the pieces that were on display, but also other parts of his house that didn’t make it into the tour. The text accompanying it goes into detail about his childhood obsession with monsters and how it grew into his successful directing career today. It’s actually quite insightful – he likens the idea of monsters to that ‘outsider’ feeling we’ve all felt at one point or another. And that in many cases the monsters are not really monsters, but are really the most human of us all.
I don’t think I am explaining it all that well - you really need to just read it for yourself. And if his Bleak House exhibit ever does go on tour again, I highly recommend it. This beautiful book is definitely five stars. And now I am in the mood to go back and rewatch some of his films!
January 11, 2019
Since last year I have watched more of Guillermo del Toro's movies, since they are dark and seem fairytale-ish, which inspires me. I bought this to see further into what he creates, and collects and is inspired by. It was very interesting and inspiring! Not like it's directly inspiring, but more like the way he thinks is something of a dark inspiration for me.
Learning all about his giant collections and thought processes for his movies was super interesting, and throwing In the history of "monsters" was a dark look into the minds of men and women from the 1400's on.
It was very informative, describing things from people he has looked up to since he was a boy in Mexico to movies and old classics that directly inspire his writing. I will look at this any time I need some sort of inspiration for writing or drawing
Learning all about his giant collections and thought processes for his movies was super interesting, and throwing In the history of "monsters" was a dark look into the minds of men and women from the 1400's on.
It was very informative, describing things from people he has looked up to since he was a boy in Mexico to movies and old classics that directly inspire his writing. I will look at this any time I need some sort of inspiration for writing or drawing
November 10, 2025
I was lucky enough to see the actual exhibit back in 2017 and it was an incredible experience. It was almost surreal seeing these actual items featured in the films of one of my cultural heroes. Hellboy's jacket, Mako's Jaeger suit as well as her younger self's clothes with the red shoe, the incredibly gorgeous and elegant gowns from Crimson Peak, as well as so many other pieces of his personal collection. I've stood right in front of that giant Karloff Frankenstein head featured in this book and it's even bigger than you could imagine. It's stunning.
This is a great companion book to one of the best exhibits I have ever been to. I love that there are many pieces of art shared by their respective institutions, which all featured the At Home With Monsters exhibit. Like any book featuring the works of Guillermo del Toro, this is a beautiful book that should be in any fan's collection.
This is a great companion book to one of the best exhibits I have ever been to. I love that there are many pieces of art shared by their respective institutions, which all featured the At Home With Monsters exhibit. Like any book featuring the works of Guillermo del Toro, this is a beautiful book that should be in any fan's collection.
October 24, 2018
El libro es una carta de amor a Guillermo del Toro y su imaginario, centrándose en el aspecto del mounstruo y como lo ha influido,afectado, consumido y regenerado. Lo bueno...una ntrevista sencilla, de corazón, cargada de detalles personales, fotos de su casa, una profundizacipon de lo que entendemos por mounstruos y su historia en la humanidad, mientras que en lo malo, siento que hay dos libros, que la primera mitad es genial, muy bien construida, mientras que la segunda, mas allá de sus imágenes potentes,evocadoras y hermosas, se siente de relleno y esto pesa y mucho en el libro,sintiéndose como un epilogo muy gráfico , pero muy sencillo.
May 26, 2020
Getting a peak into Del Toro’s curated collection of monster memorabilia is fascinating. His love of monsters is mostly due to them being outcasts. His collection runs the gamut: books, statues, busts, drawings, figures, and a well-kept diary of sketches Del Toro used as inspiration for many of his movies. There are a couple of interviews, as well as, essays. I was drawn in to mostly what Del Toro has to say about his obsession with horror: he sees them as tragic and romantic figures, and not necessarily something to fear.
November 2, 2020
I enjoyed reading his perspective on monsters and the influential persons in history who helped define them for him. His house is fascinating and I loved seeing all the wax figures he has. It's cool to see all the things that helped inspire his point of view and the passions he possesses.
Personally, I wanted to see more pictures and sketches of his work from his notebook, instead of the abundant rennaisance paintings that had some influence on his work but had brief or no mention of in the text specifically.
Personally, I wanted to see more pictures and sketches of his work from his notebook, instead of the abundant rennaisance paintings that had some influence on his work but had brief or no mention of in the text specifically.
November 6, 2016
After seeing the exhibit in person, reading this book was like having a personal tour through Bleak House and Guillermo del Toro's mind. This book is similar to Cabinet of Curiousities, but it expands further with new interviews and a deeper look into his collection. It's always great to find a kindred spirit in someone who also enjoys the weird and macabre.
October 22, 2017
This book was gorgeous!
I have seen most of Del Toro's films, so it was a treat to be able to not only peer inside his fabulous collection of monster memorabilia, but also get an in-depth look at his love of film, and the things he puts into his movies. Wish I could have seen the traveling exhibit.
I have seen most of Del Toro's films, so it was a treat to be able to not only peer inside his fabulous collection of monster memorabilia, but also get an in-depth look at his love of film, and the things he puts into his movies. Wish I could have seen the traveling exhibit.
January 27, 2018
This is a wonderful companion to the At Home With Monsters exhibit that I feel fortunate to have experienced at the AGO. It includes some clever essays analyzing Del Toro’s work and his influences.
For me, the only thing that might have improved it is to have included more photography of Bleak House. Luckily, I was able to take many of my own images at the exhibit.
For me, the only thing that might have improved it is to have included more photography of Bleak House. Luckily, I was able to take many of my own images at the exhibit.
January 29, 2019
The first half is really good. An amazing book about monsters trought history. After that, is just a bunch of paintings and movie frames that inspired Guillermo. Good ones, though. I would rather Del Toro’s work in this book, or comments and thoughts on every paint. Is a good book if you want to look for inspiration. Easy reading.
December 2, 2017
Large time gap due to high library demand and unexpected academic writing/analysis.
This book grants excellent context and analysis of GdT's creative process and influences.
+ Always interesting to see collections.
This book grants excellent context and analysis of GdT's creative process and influences.
+ Always interesting to see collections.
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