Just a few months ago, Disney+ released the live-action version of Pinocchio, and now seasoned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has crafted his stop-motion animated rendition with a story we’ve never seen before. Del Toro wrote, directed, and produced this film, featuring renowned actors as voice talents, including Ewan McGregor, Tilda Swinton, David Bradley, Ron Pearlman, Christopher Gantz, John Turturro, Cate Blanchett, and Gregory Mann. Pinocchio premiered on Netflix last week and has garnered high praise from critics, earning a nomination for the 2023 Golden Globe in the Best Animated Film category. How special is Del Toro’s take on this classic tale?
“Yes, you bring me joy, a terrible joy.”
The main plot still follows the original fairy tale but introduces additional storylines and different settings. Del Toro places Pinocchio’s story in World War II, during the peak of Mussolini’s regime (fascism). All story motifs intersect with the nuances of war and fascism, uniquely tied to the spirit realm and life after death. Del Toro added these elements not only to darken the story but to provide more depth. This version is no longer intended solely for children, as is typical of fairy tales.
Fans familiar with Del Toro’s work know he never creates ordinary characters. Everything contrasts with the Disney version, which is cheerful and optimistic. He presents the opposite side, even portraying some characters in a scary, horror movie style. Jiminy Cricket, portrayed as cute by Disney, now appears as a frightening monster. Everything is dark and gloomy, including the figures of Pinocchio and the fairy, and the sea monster (the whale in the original story) is described as terrifying. All of this aligns with the alternative narrative offered by the filmmaker.
Del Toro’s Pinocchio transforms the classic story into a life lesson filled with bitterness and meaning, bearing his signature visual stamp. Although the initial viewing might feel awkward due to the story’s pessimism and gloom, the plot begins to reveal its power over time. This film not only delves into fascism, war horror, and greed but also explores profound themes of life, sacrifice, and genuine love. Pinocchio undergoes more bitter experiences than others, surpassing even Geppetto or any other character in this story. While I personally prefer the visuals of Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, this film stands out for the depth of its script, marking a significant achievement for the filmmaker.
