Writers: Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor
Stars: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon
*****
In a nutshell, The Shape of Water is a beautifully flowing, yet
obtuse love story captures the heart of anyone who felt they don’t fit the ‘conventional’
film romance image. The opening sequence is majestic and immediately transports
you into the world which del Toro has created. Every time I think of the film,
its characters, its look, its sound, that word that keeps coming back to me - beautiful.
Now don’t get me wrong. This is not a film for everyone. On
the surface it’s a monster movie about a romance between a mute cleaning woman
and an amphibian man. But, you know, it’s deeper than that. Actually, it’s a
heartfelt story about two people who don’t fit in with everyday life but then
find solace, happiness, understanding and acceptance from each other in such a
sweet and tender way. And really – that’s what we all want from life, right? To
be accepted and understood. To make someone happy by just being there. To be
loved.
What gives it that depth and texture is the attention to
detail of its director. Guillermo del Toro has clearly put his heart and soul
into this film. To have the imagination to create this story is one thing but
to bring it to life is something else.
I have seen this film twice now and each time something
different struck me.
Firstly, it was the set design. You might think this odd if
you haven’t seen it, but as soon as you do you will know what I mean.
Everything on every shot on every set has a purpose. The posters in the
changing rooms, the billboards on her commute, the books in the flat, the pie
shop – everything is tying into one another. And it looks spectacular. Plus,
all the way through, sometimes without you realising it, there are subtle
references to water and how important it is to the entire storyline. Taking
baths, boiling eggs, heavy rain, mopping etc. The more you think about it the
more you realise it – and this will not be a coincidence.
On my second viewing the stand out was the soundtrack. Such
beautiful (that word again) and clever pieces of music which set the scene,
change the tone and - for a film where the lead protagonist doesn’t speak -
relay feelings. It felt like the music flowed through the film like a babbling
brook, taking you on a journey from scene to scene.
I read somewhere (good referencing Lucy – well done) that del
Toro had written around 40 pages for each key character and given it to the
actors to give them an idea of where the character had come from and what their
motivations were. And honestly, it shows.
So lets talk about the acting. Sally Hawkins plays Elisa
Esposito – a cleaner at a government, who lives above a movie theatre next to
her friend Giles (the adorable Richard Jenkins), was abandoned as a child and
has never spoken. She communicates to those close to her via sign language.
This can not be an easy role to play. Sally Hawkins must convey all her
feelings through actions and not her voice. And she does this extremely well.
She has some great moments – such as telling Michael Shannon’s Strickland
exactly how she feels without him understanding a word of it, and when she
tells Giles why she is compelled to save the amphibian man.
Supporting her is an ensemble of fantastic actors at the top
of their game. Let’s take them in turn.
Octavia Spencer is Zelda Fuller – Elisa’s cleaning partner
and friend. Unlike Elisa, Zelda never stays quiet, always moaning about her
no-good husband Brewster and the aches and pains in her feet. I genuinely
believe that I could happily listen to Octavia Spencer talk all day.
Richard Jenkins, as I have mentioned is Giles, Elisa’s next-door
neighbour. They have a close friendship borne out of a love of musicals. The
moments between them both are so touching and sweet – you can really feel their
friendship and warmth for one another.
Michael Shannon is Richard Strickland, who is in charge of the
imprisonment of the amphibian man. He is nasty. He is horrible. He makes your
skin crawl at times. Pure genius from Michael Shannon who always looks cross
even when he’s happy. The scene where he goes to buy a new car pretty much sums
this character up (and it’s a cracking scene!).
And a quick mention for Doug Jones (aka Commander Saru – for
all you Trekkies out there) who plays the amphibian man. His role is not as
complex as Sally Hawkins’ but he does have to do a dance scene which can not
have been easy!
So to summarise, The Shape of Water is a masterpiece – and
truly deserving of its Best Picture Oscar, but I guarantee it will split the
crowds. Some will get it, some will think it’s ridiculous but I haven’t stopped
thinking about it - and for me that’s the mark of a great film.
