Large Fierce Mammal

A sample view of Guillermo del Toro’s sanctum sanctorum — Bleak House in Los Angeles (Click image to enlarge. Photo © Josh White/ JWPictures.com. Source: Art Gallery of Ontario)

Guillermo del Toro: At Home With Monsters is the name of an exhibit currently appearing at the Art Gallery of Ontario until 7 January 2018, and consists of items from the private collection of the man himself. From the Exhibition Overview:

From the fantastic to the frightful, don’t miss this rare glimpse into the world of renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and his cabinet of curiosities. Taking inspiration from del Toro’s extraordinary imagination, At Home with Monsters reveals his creative process through his personal collection of art, artefacts, books, and props, all culled from Bleak House, del Toro’s creative haven located in Los Angeles.

First broadcast 27 September 2017 on the CBC Radio show Q, host Tom Power interviewed Guillermo del Toro about his creative influences, his vision of monsters, and afore mentioned AGO Exhibit. For tonight’s Dark Sentiment, here’s From the crib to the AGO: Guillermo del Toro’s lifelong kinship with monsters. Click the title to read the intro, and then settle back for the 20 minute interview that you’ll find in this grotto right here.

And by the way, early in the interview he makes mention of an Outer Limits episode called the The Mutant which I also remember as one of my own favourites, and how the effect of its imitation by his older brother on the young del Toro persists to this very day. Here’s something pretty from that episode to look at while you listen.