The debut feature of writer/director Guillermo del Toro, a lyrical horror tale (what else?), is more of a visual than narrative success. It starts with an ages-ago prologue as a brilliant scientist invents a clock-like mechanical device shaped like a scarab, a gold time-piece that gives immortality. Jump ahead five centuries and this golden wind-up objet d’art shows up at an antiques shop but not its ancient instructions. They’re in the hands of a wealthy old man who’s just dying to prolong his life. Del Toro’s ace-up-his-sleeve is Ron Perlman, the old man’s put-upon nephew, sent to grab the elusive artifact. At times, the plotting & character development can feel arbitrary, and the story’s descent into vampire tropes lacks imagination. But the details . . . oh, the details, that’s where del Toro’s unique talent comes to life, turning grotesque moments into small art installations. All while moving the action along with color & panache. Think Tim Burton with action chops. And del Toro has only gotten better.
DOUBLE-BILL: Just two films on, del Toro would put all his gifts together in his first great film, THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE/’01, possibly his best.
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