Written by Stormie Luce
Modified & Updated: 04 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Released in 2017, “The Shape of Water” is an enchanting and visually stunning film that left audiences captivated with its unique story and mesmerizing performances. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this Oscar-winning movie has garnered both critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Set against the backdrop of Cold War-era America, the film tells the extraordinary love story between a mute janitor named Elisa and a mysterious amphibious creature known as the Asset. In this article, we will dive deep into the world of “The Shape of Water” and uncover 36 fascinating facts about this extraordinary film. From its production challenges to its profound themes of love and acceptance, get ready to be immersed in the magical world created by Guillermo del Toro.
Key Takeaways:
- “The Shape of Water” is a unique love story set in the 1960s, featuring stunning visuals, powerful performances, and a message of acceptance and empathy.
- The film’s success lies in its captivating storytelling, timeless love story, and exploration of social issues, making it a modern-day fairy tale for adults.
Highest Grossing Film
The Shape of Water became the highest grossing film of director Guillermo del Toro’s career, earning over $195 million worldwide.
Academy Award Success
The film received thirteen Academy Award nominations and went on to win four, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Unique Love Story
The Shape of Water tells the unique love story between a mute woman named Elisa and an amphibious creature known as “the Asset.”
Historical Setting
The movie is set in the early 1960s during the Cold War era, giving it a distinctive historical backdrop.
Experimental Film-making
Guillermo del Toro described The Shape of Water as an “artistic and experimental film” that allowed him to explore different genres and themes.
Collaboration with Alexandre Desplat
The film’s haunting score was composed by Alexandre Desplat, who won an Academy Award for his work.
Language Barrier
In the film, Elisa communicates with the creature through sign language due to her muteness, highlighting the power of non-verbal communication.
Political Undertones
The Shape of Water explores political and social issues of the time, such as discrimination and the dehumanization of others.
Impressive Set Design
The movie features stunning set designs, including the water-filled laboratory where the creature is held captive.
Creature Design
The amphibious creature’s design was brought to life through a combination of practical effects and CGI, showcasing the artistry behind its creation.
Symbolism of Water
Water is used as a recurring motif throughout the film, symbolizing transformation, healing, and the fluidity of emotions.
Strong Ensemble Cast
The movie boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, and Octavia Spencer.
Cinematography
The cinematography in The Shape of Water is visually stunning, with each frame being meticulously composed to create a dreamlike atmosphere.
Themes of Otherness
The film explores the theme of otherness, highlighting the struggles and alienation that individuals who are different from society’s norms often face.
Critical Acclaim
The Shape of Water received widespread critical acclaim for its captivating storytelling, visual splendor, and powerful performances.
International Recognition
The film was not only loved by critics but also embraced by audiences worldwide, further solidifying its status as a global success.
Iconic Amphibian Design
The unique amphibian design of the creature has since become an iconic symbol associated with the film.
Timeless Love Story
The Shape of Water presents a love story that transcends societal boundaries and showcases the power of acceptance and empathy.
Cultural Impact
The film’s compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes continue to resonate with audiences, sparking discussions on various social issues.
The Shape of Water: A Fairytale for Adults
Guillermo del Toro intended The Shape of Water to be a modern-day fairy tale for adults, blending elements of fantasy and reality.
Dedicated Fanbase
The Shape of Water has garnered a dedicated fanbase who appreciate the film’s unique storytelling and profound emotional impact.
Powerful Performances
Sally Hawkins delivers a mesmerizing performance as Elisa, capturing the character’s vulnerability and resilience.
Striking Visual Effects
The film showcases stunning visual effects that seamlessly blend practical and digital elements to bring the story to life.
Immersive Sound Design
The sound design in The Shape of Water greatly enhances the viewing experience, creating an immersive world for the audience to delve into.
The Shape of Water: A Contrast of Light and Dark
The film masterfully juxtaposes light and dark imagery, reflecting the contrast between hope and despair, love and cruelty.
The Struggle for Acceptance
The Shape of Water explores the universal theme of the struggle for acceptance, highlighting the importance of embracing diversity.
Emotional Storytelling
The movie evokes a range of emotions, taking the audience on a captivating and heartfelt journey.
Influences from Classic Films
The Shape of Water pays homage to classic films, drawing inspiration from movies such as Creature from the Black Lagoon and Beauty and the Beast.
Powerful Imagery
The film utilizes powerful imagery to convey its themes, creating lasting visual impressions that stay with the viewer.
A Celebration of Love
The Shape of Water celebrates the transformative power of love and the beauty that can be found in unexpected connections.
Beautiful Production Design
The attention to detail in the film’s production design is remarkable, creating an immersive and believable world for the characters to inhabit.
The Shape of Music
The film’s musical score perfectly complements the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of each scene.
Gender Roles and Sexual Identity
The Shape of Water challenges traditional gender roles and explores the fluidity of sexual identity, promoting a message of acceptance and understanding.
Empathy and Compassion
The film encourages empathy and compassion towards those who are seen as different, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Awards and Recognition
The Shape of Water received numerous awards and nominations, solidifying its place as one of the most acclaimed films of its time.
The Shape of Water: A Masterpiece
With its breathtaking visuals, powerful storytelling, and heartfelt performances, The Shape of Water has rightfully earned its status as a cinematic masterpiece.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Shape of Water is a remarkable film that captivates viewers with its unique blend of fantasy, romance, and social commentary. From its stunning visuals to its powerful performances, the movie leaves a lasting impression. With 13 Academy Award nominations and 4 wins, including Best Picture, it is clear that The Shape of Water has made a lasting impact on the film industry. Guillermo del Toro’s masterful direction and the incredible cast bring this unconventional love story to life, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms along the way. The film’s success is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of cinema to transport us to new and unexpected worlds. Whether you’re a fan of the genre or simply appreciate thought-provoking cinema, The Shape of Water is a film that should not be missed.
FAQs
1. What is the plot of The Shape of Water?
The Shape of Water is set in the early 1960s and follows the story of Elisa, a mute janitor working at a high-security government laboratory. She forms a unique bond with an amphibious creature being held captive at the facility, and their relationship becomes a transformative love affair.
2. Who directed The Shape of Water?
The Shape of Water was directed by Guillermo del Toro, a renowned Mexican filmmaker known for his visually stunning and imaginative storytelling.
3. What awards did The Shape of Water win?
The Shape of Water won several awards, including four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director (Guillermo del Toro), Best Original Score, and Best Production Design. It also received numerous other accolades from prestigious film festivals and industry organizations.
4. Who starred in The Shape of Water?
The film featured a talented cast, including Sally Hawkins as Elisa, Doug Jones as the creature, Michael Shannon as the antagonist, Octavia Spencer as Elisa’s coworker, and Richard Jenkins as her neighbor and friend.
5. What is the message of The Shape of Water?
The Shape of Water explores themes of love, acceptance, and the importance of embracing our differences. It challenges societal norms and prejudices, highlighting the power of empathy and connection in the face of adversity.
6. Is The Shape of Water based on a true story?
No, The Shape of Water is a fictional story created by Guillermo del Toro and his co-writer Vanessa Taylor.
7. Can you recommend similar movies to The Shape of Water?
If you enjoyed The Shape of Water, you might also like Pan’s Labyrinth, another film directed by Guillermo del Toro that blends fantasy and dark themes. Other films that explore unconventional love stories include Amélie, Moonrise Kingdom, and The Artist.
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