From the WHYY in Philadelphia, I'm Terry Gross with Fresh Air Weekend.

Today's screenwriter and director Guillermo del Toro is best known for his film's Hellboy,

Pans Labyrinth, and the Shape of Water, which won four Oscars, including Best Picture and

Best Director.

In his new film Nightmare Alley, Bradley Cooper stars as a man who joins a small time traveling

carnival where he learns how to con people into thinking he's clairvoyant.

We'll talk about del Toro's fascination with this world, and why seeing Frankenstein

for the first time was like being reborn.

Also we'll discuss heartbreak with science journalist Florence Williams.

When her husband divorced her, it affected her emotional and physical health.

Her new book is about how scientists are investigating the biological pathways of this kind

of pain, and why heartbreak can actually affect your heart, digestive system, immune

system, and more.

My guest Guillermo del Toro directed and co-wrote the new film Nightmare Alley, a film noir

set in the world of carnies and grifters.

It's in theaters and streaming on Hulu and HBO Max.

Nightmare Alley was named one of the 10 Best Films of 2021 by the American Film Institute.

Del Toro is also known for his two Hellboy films, Pans Labyrinth, and the Shape of Water,

which won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Nightmare Alley was adapted from a bleak 1946 novel.

The novel was adapted into a 1947 film starring Tyrone Power.

The new movie begins in 1939, as America was coming out of the Depression, and World

...