Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water clinched the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture in 2018. This mesmerizing, unconventional love story resonated with audiences and critics alike, ultimately securing the film industry’s highest honor.
A Deeper Dive into The Shape of Water‘s Victory
The Shape of Water beat out a strong field of contenders, including Dunkirk, Get Out, Lady Bird, Call Me by Your Name, Darkest Hour, Phantom Thread, The Post, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Its win was seen by many as a testament to del Toro’s unique vision, blending fantasy, romance, and social commentary into a cohesive and emotionally resonant narrative.
The film’s narrative follows Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins), a mute cleaning woman working at a high-security government laboratory in 1962. Her life takes an extraordinary turn when she discovers and forms a profound connection with an amphibious creature being held captive in the facility. With the help of her friends, Zelda (Octavia Spencer) and Giles (Richard Jenkins), Elisa embarks on a daring plan to rescue the creature from the clutches of the cruel and obsessive security chief, Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon).
The film’s success can be attributed to several factors:
- Del Toro’s masterful direction: His ability to craft visually stunning and emotionally charged scenes captivated audiences.
- A compelling narrative: The film’s unconventional love story resonated with viewers seeking something different from the typical Hollywood fare.
- Outstanding performances: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins, and Michael Shannon delivered powerful and nuanced performances.
- Relevant social commentary: The film touched on themes of prejudice, otherness, and the importance of empathy.
- Its whimsical and romantic elements captured the hearts of viewers, giving them the feel of a classic fairy tale brought to life.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Masterpiece
The production of The Shape of Water was a labor of love for del Toro and his team. Del Toro, known for his meticulous attention to detail, spent years developing the story and creating the visual elements of the film. The design of the Amphibian Man, a crucial element of the film’s success, was painstakingly crafted, bringing the creature to life in a believable and sympathetic way.
The film was shot in Toronto, Canada, and utilized practical effects whenever possible, adding to its unique visual appeal. Del Toro’s dedication to creating a world that felt both fantastical and grounded in reality helped to immerse audiences in the story.
The score, composed by Alexandre Desplat, also played a crucial role in setting the film’s tone and enhancing its emotional impact. Desplat won the Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work on the film.
FAQs: Unpacking the Oscar Win
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore The Shape of Water‘s victory:
1. What other awards did The Shape of Water win in 2018?
Besides Best Picture, The Shape of Water also won Best Director (Guillermo del Toro), Best Original Score (Alexandre Desplat), and Best Production Design. It was nominated for a total of 13 Academy Awards, making it the most nominated film of that year. It also achieved wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Critics’ Choice Awards.
2. Why was The Shape of Water so controversial for some viewers?
Some critics argued that the film’s plot was derivative, citing similarities to the 1954 film Creature from the Black Lagoon. Others found the romantic relationship between Elisa and the Amphibian Man unsettling. However, the film’s strong positive reception ultimately overshadowed these criticisms.
3. Did the political climate of 2017/2018 influence the film’s win?
It is possible. The film’s themes of acceptance, tolerance, and the fight against prejudice resonated with audiences in a politically charged environment. Many saw the film as a commentary on the importance of empathy and understanding in a divided world. The message could have resonated with Academy voters amidst the rise of the #MeToo movement.
4. What makes The Shape of Water different from other Best Picture winners?
The Shape of Water is unique in its genre-bending nature. It is a combination of fantasy, romance, thriller, and social commentary. Its unconventional love story and visually stunning imagery set it apart from more traditional Best Picture winners.
5. How did Sally Hawkins prepare for her role as a mute character?
Hawkins researched sign language and worked closely with a movement coach to develop Elisa’s physicality. She focused on conveying Elisa’s emotions through facial expressions, body language, and her connection with the Amphibian Man.
6. Was Guillermo del Toro’s win for Best Director expected?
Del Toro was considered a strong contender for Best Director, given the film’s critical acclaim and his track record as a visionary filmmaker. However, the category was highly competitive, with nominees including Christopher Nolan (Dunkirk) and Jordan Peele (Get Out). His win was widely celebrated within the film industry.
7. How did the film’s visual effects contribute to its success?
The visual effects, particularly the creation of the Amphibian Man, were crucial to the film’s success. They were seamlessly integrated into the narrative, making the creature believable and sympathetic. The film’s visual effects were praised for their realism, and subtle blending with practical effects.
8. What was the budget for The Shape of Water?
The film had a relatively modest budget of approximately $19.4 million. This demonstrates del Toro’s ability to create a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film without relying on massive budgets.
9. What impact did The Shape of Water‘s win have on Guillermo del Toro’s career?
The win solidified del Toro’s status as one of the leading filmmakers of his generation. It gave him more creative freedom and opened doors to future projects. It increased his visibility to both the wider public and within Hollywood.
10. Where can I watch The Shape of Water today?
The Shape of Water is typically available to rent or purchase on various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. It can sometimes be found on cable channels that show film.
11. What other films have similar themes or aesthetics to The Shape of Water?
Films with similar themes of outsiders, acceptance, and unconventional love include Edward Scissorhands, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Beauty and the Beast. Del Toro’s own filmography, including Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy, also shares similar aesthetic and thematic elements.
12. What lasting impact has The Shape of Water had on the film industry?
The Shape of Water demonstrated that films with unconventional narratives and genre-bending elements can achieve mainstream success. It encouraged other filmmakers to take risks and explore stories that are outside the box. It also reaffirmed the importance of visual storytelling and emotional resonance in filmmaking.