Cronos
Mexico
1993
92 Min
Color
1.78:1
Spanish, English
Synopsis
Guillermo del Toro made an auspicious, audacious feature debut with Cronos, a highly unorthodox tale about the seductiveness of the idea of immortality. Kindly antiques dealer Jesús Gris (Federico Luppi) happens upon an ancient golden device in the shape of a scarab, and soon finds himself possessor and victim of its sinister, addictive powers, as well as the target of a mysterious, crude American named Angel (a delightfully deranged Ron Perlman). Featuring marvelous special makeup effects and the unforgettably haunting imagery for which del Toro has become world-renowned, Cronos is a visually rich and emotionally captivating dark fantasy. –The Criterion Collection
Director
Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo Del Toro was born October 9, 1964 in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. Raised by his Catholic grandmother, Del Toro developed an interest in filmmaking in his early teens. Later, he learned about makeup and effects from the legendary Dick Smith (The Exorcist, 1973) and worked on making his own short films. At the age of 21, Del Toro executive produced his first feature, Dona Herlinda and Her Son (1986). Del Toro got his first big break when Cronos (1993) won nine academy awards in Mexico, then went on to win the International Critics Week prize at Cannes. Following this success, Del Toro made his first Hollywood film, Mimic (1997), starring Mira Sorvino. Next for Del Toro, was El Espinazo del diablo (2001), a Spanish Civil War ghost story. The film was hailed by critics and audiences alike, and Del Toro decided to give Hollywood another try. In 2002, he directed the Wesley Snipes vampire sequel, Blade II (2002). —World Cinema Foundation
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Displaying 4 of 25 wall posts.
Neon Jesus
13Mar12
A solid story, you could tell that del toro hadn't quite found his footing or voice yet as a director. Done today, this would be a much stronger film.
Judicial Joe
25Dec11
An interesting combination of Spielberg and Murnau that I didn't expect to work, but did, apart from the SPOILER death of Perlman by falling off a building. Grade: B-.
Brad Barschow
18Dec11
Interesting early Guillermo Del Toro film, while I must say not the most "amazing" film, I was very entertained throughout.
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Articles
Our roundup of essays and articles on this film.
"Rock Follies," Lou Castel, DVDs, Fests, Lists
By David Hudson on December 7, 2010
In the run-up to their presentation of Head (1968) at 92Y Tribeca on December 18, a screening introduced by Eric Lefcowitz, author
Blu-Ray Review: CRONOS
By Twitchfilm.com on May 17, 2011
Guillermo del Toro’s name seems to pop in relation to a new project every week, but he hasn’t actually directed that many movies. Instead of picking up whatever comes along, he has generally chosen projects
UK! See Guillermo del Toro introduce CRONOS midnight screening in London!
By Twitchfilm.com on April 29, 2011
Those good people from Curzon Midnight Movies have set up a special screening of Guillermo del Toro’s creepy ‘vampire’ flick Cronos on 9th October, to coincide with the release of the Guillermo del Toro
UK! See Guillermo del Toro introduce CRONOS midnight screening in London!
By Twitchfilm.net on September 22, 2010
Those good people from Curzon Midnight Movies have set up a special screening of Guillermo del Toro’s creepy ‘vampire’ flick Cronos on 9th October, to coincide with the release of the Guillermo Blu-ray
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Reviews
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A Master's First Film
By Wilsonjd2 on February 16, 2011
Guillermo del Toro’s first full-length feature film “Cronos” is a portal into the mind of a creative genius. It showcases del Toro’s ability to weave deeply resonant characters and human themes into… read review
Untitled
By Mugino on November 13, 2009
It’s not a great film, but it reveals the promising start of Del Toro’s directorial career. There are hints of his unique vision (the parasitic Cronos device, de la Guardia’s creepy, austere “bedroom”… read review
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CRONOS TO CRITERION
29 posts by 12 people
almost 2 years ago