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Sofia Galasso: Inside Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro builds worlds that exist entirely on their own terms. To step into his cinematic universe as a young artist is to watch practical magic take physical form before the cameras even roll. In this exclusive conversation, she reflects on the scale of Frankenstein, the craft of character creation, and what it takes to bring complexity to the screen at just eleven years old.
Guillermo del Toro has a very distinct vision for his films. What was it like stepping onto the set of Frankenstein for the first time, and how did he help you find your character?
"That's a really great question," she said, recalling the memory. "Frankenstein was like nothing I had ever imagined. I remember seeing the ship being built in the studio parking lot and thinking it was so cool. My tutoring trailer was right beside it, the stunt team would have rehearsals, that was really amazing. Everyday was just like that, I really looked forward to seeing what would be there next."
She continued, "Guillermo was so kind and funny, and I really enjoyed working with him. I loved listening to him give directions, not just to me but to everyone. Before my scenes, Guillermo would talk to me and make sure I understood what I needed to do. I was younger then and that really helped me know what he expected and helped me find my character. I also really loved when Guillermo would yell ‘ACTION’ …that was exciting."
She added, "I also think finding my character happened during all the costume fittings and I loved meeting all the people who worked in costumes and hair and make-up…I loved that part of becoming Anna-Maria."
You share the screen with incredible talents like Jacob Elordi and David Bradley. What was it like watching them transform into their characters on the set of Frankenstein? Did you learn anything by watching them work?
"Seeing everyone become their characters was one of my favourite parts of being on set," she remarked. "When Jacob came onto the set on my first day as the creature, and seeing David as my grandfather, it was really amazing. I learned a Yorkshire dialect for the film; and I would listen to David Bradley and speak with him for practice."
She mentioned, "A few times after my scenes were done, I was able to stay back and watch Jacob film his scenes, and that was amazing to see. I really loved watching Jacob as the creature."
You’ve been dancing since you were three, and continue to train in ballet and compete in tap, jazz, lyrical and musical theatre. How does your dance background help you when you’re acting?
"I think my dance background helps me with my acting in a lot of ways," she noted. "With dance, you’re telling a story with your movements and facial expressions. When I am learning choreography, I have to listen carefully, follow directions and pay attention to timing."
She noted further, "This is the same when I’m acting in a scene - knowing how to express emotions, take directions and be on time with my scene partners. I would really love to combine dance and acting together one day."
Playing Anna-Maria in Frankenstein and Eva in Slip requires you to tap into different kinds of emotions. Do you have a specific way you prepare yourself before the director calls "action"?
"I really love wardrobe and becoming the character, I was always really obsessed with dress-up when I was little and Halloween," she recalled. "I had so many different costumes, I spent a lot of time in a batman costume as a little kid. I think my earliest times on set what I loved the most was getting to wear costumes and become the character. It was just really fun."
She reflected, "The emotions of Eva and Anna-Maria characters are very different - I think it’s important to understand the story and how your character is feeling."
Acting often requires you to step into someone else's shoes. What is the most surprising thing you have learned about yourself by playing characters who are different from you?
"I’ve learned that even when a character is really different from me, I can try to find ways to connect with what they are experiencing," she explained.
She added, "I also have an amazing acting coach and we spend time rehearsing scenes together and figuring out the character …we share ideas and sometimes the way we start a scene is nothing at all like the end result."
The sets for films like Frankenstein are highly detailed and atmospheric. Do you prefer working with practical sets and costumes, and how do they change the way you act?
"I really like both, but if I had to choose I think I would choose any set that lets me go back in time," she answered. "Frankenstein was my first role that let me experience that. The wardrobe, hair and makeup and being on the sets. It really helped bring me into that time."
Many young actors find it difficult to balance the demands of school, training, and filming. How do you find quiet moments for yourself when your schedule gets demanding?
"It can definitely be hard, I try to be really organized with my schedule," she said. "My mom and sisters help me a lot too. Sometimes we’ll read scripts in the car on the way to dance, and we’ve even taped auditions on vacation or at dance competitions…my family helps me a lot."
She shared, "When I do have quiet time, I like to read or watch movies. I have a new puppy named Phoebe to spend time with and my friends - I also really love school."
When you read a script for the first time, what makes you fall in love with a character and decide you want to play them?
"I know immediately when I love a script," she stated. "When I first read a script, if the story really interests me I want to know everything I can about it."
She explained, "I love reading character descriptions and learning about who they are. I like to memorize my lines before going to sleep and I dream about the story."
You have accomplished a lot by the age of 11. When you look toward the future, what kind of stories or characters are you hoping to bring to the audience next?
"Thank you! That’s a really hard question because there are just too many stories and characters!" she smiled.
"There are so many different kinds of roles I’d love to play," she continued. "There’s actually an audition I did recently that I can’t stop thinking about. I would really love the chance to play that role because it has so many of the things I love all together. It’s exciting to know that opportunities like that are out there."
She concluded, "Mostly, I just hope I get to keep acting and have the chance to play lots of different characters and tell lots of different stories."