Frankenstein director Guillermo del Toro says dismissing art is a 'prelude to fascism'

Guillermo del Toro told attendees at a Palm Springs festival brunch that calling art unimportant is "always the prelude to fascism." He has also spoken out against generative-AI and praised the human teamwork behind his film.

Guillermo del Toro accepted an honor at Variety's 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards brunch during the Palm Springs International Film Festival and used his remarks to defend the importance of art. He warned that when people say art is not important, that message can be a prelude to harsher social control. He urged kindness, involvement and belief in one’s art. The director has been outspoken about generative-AI while praising the human work on his film. Key points: - Del Toro made the remarks while receiving an honor at a Variety brunch during the Palm Springs International Film Festival. - He said that telling people art is not important is "always the prelude to fascism." - He encouraged people to "be kind, be involved, believe in your art," and referenced monsters as part of what makes us human. - He has criticized generative-AI publicly and at the Gotham Awards last December reportedly exclaimed, "Fuck AI!" - He dedicated the film's artistry to the human cast and crew, naming roles such as designers, make-up, wardrobe, cinematographers, composers and editors. Summary: His remarks underline his concern about the cultural role of art and his position against aspects of generative-AI. Undetermined at this time.