Guillermo del Toro Unveils Plans for Extended Black and White Cut of ‘Nightmare Alley’
Fans of Guillermo del Toro’s neo-noir thriller, "Nightmare Alley," have something exciting to look forward to. The acclaimed director recently revealed his plans for a remastered and extended version of the film’s already stunning black and white edition.
Del Toro, known for his masterful visual storytelling, took to the social media platform Bluesky to share the news: "I am remastering the B&W Nightmare Alley w an extended cut. Stay tuned,” he posted.
This news comes as a welcome surprise for fans who were captivated by the film’s stark black and white aesthetic.
"Although we shot Nightmare Alley in color, we lit it as if it were black and white," del Toro previously explained, highlighting the deliberate intention behind the visual approach. He further emphasized the connection to classic noir, stating, “You can see exactly the same level of design, and we wanted to give viewers this special vantage as a take of the classic noir genre that the film is part of.”
Director of Photography Dan Laustsen echoed this sentiment, revealing that "When we designed and shot, we were always thinking color and black and white." He described his lighting choices as "an homage to all the incredible masters of cinematography who have inspired me.”
Released in 2021, "Nightmare Alley" follows the story of Stanton Carlisle, played by Bradley Cooper, a charismatic but ambitious carny with a knack for manipulation. As he climbs the social ladder, he gets entangled with a dangerous psychiatrist played by Cate Blanchett, leading him down a path of darkness and ruin. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Richard Jenkins, Rooney Mara, Ron Perlman, Mary Steenburgen, and David Strathairn.
Many critics lauded the film’s haunting visuals and psychological intensity, praising del Toro’s masterful direction.
This extended black and white cut promises to offer viewers a deeper dive into the world of "Nightmare Alley," potentially adding new layers to the already complex narrative and showcasing the stunning visual artistry of del Toro and Laustsen in an even more captivating light.
The film’s Christmas setting seems all the more fitting for this unexpected holiday treat from the acclaimed director. As del Toro himself urged, "Stay tuned."
