“The Shape of Water,” Guillermo del Toro’s visually stunning and emotionally resonant fantasy romance, secured the coveted Best Picture award at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018. This victory solidified del Toro’s position as a visionary filmmaker and sparked conversations about genre filmmaking, representation, and the evolving landscape of Hollywood. This article will explore the film’s journey to Oscar glory, dissect its key themes, and address the critical reception that propelled it to the pinnacle of cinematic achievement.
Understanding “The Shape of Water”
“The Shape of Water” is a Cold War-era fairy tale centered around Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins), a mute cleaning woman working at a high-security government laboratory. Her life is irrevocably changed when she discovers a captive amphibian creature (Doug Jones) and forms a profound and unlikely connection with it. The film explores themes of otherness, tolerance, love in the face of prejudice, and the power of communication beyond words.
Del Toro’s meticulous direction, combined with Alexandre Desplat’s evocative score, created a cinematic experience that resonated deeply with audiences. The film’s visual aesthetic, a blend of gothic horror and romantic fantasy, further cemented its unique identity and captivated the Academy.
The Road to Oscar Glory
The path to Best Picture is rarely straightforward. “The Shape of Water” faced stiff competition from films like “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” “Get Out,” and “Lady Bird,” all critically acclaimed and commercially successful in their own right. However, the film’s early success at film festivals, including winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, provided crucial momentum.
The film’s message of empathy and acceptance, delivered with del Toro’s signature fantastical flair, particularly resonated in a sociopolitical climate marked by division and uncertainty. This timing, coupled with the film’s undeniable artistic merit, contributed significantly to its awards season success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses common questions surrounding “The Shape of Water” and its Best Picture win, offering a comprehensive understanding of the film’s impact and legacy.
H3: Why was “The Shape of Water” so critically acclaimed?
“The Shape of Water” garnered widespread critical acclaim for several reasons. Firstly, Guillermo del Toro’s masterful direction created a visually arresting and emotionally captivating experience. Secondly, the film tackled complex themes of otherness and acceptance in a poignant and thought-provoking manner. Thirdly, the exceptional performances from the cast, particularly Sally Hawkins’s nuanced portrayal of Elisa, were universally praised. Finally, the film’s genre-bending approach, seamlessly blending fantasy, romance, and Cold War thriller elements, appealed to a broad range of audiences.
H3: What other awards did “The Shape of Water” win at the 2018 Oscars?
Beyond Best Picture, “The Shape of Water” secured three other Academy Awards: Best Director (Guillermo del Toro), Best Original Score (Alexandre Desplat), and Best Production Design. These awards further validated the film’s artistic and technical achievements. The multiple wins signaled that the Academy appreciated not only the film’s story but also its overall execution and artistic vision.
H3: Who were the other nominees for Best Picture in 2018?
The 2018 Best Picture nominees showcased a diverse range of cinematic storytelling. The nominees included: Call Me By Your Name, Darkest Hour, Dunkirk, Get Out, Lady Bird, Phantom Thread, The Post, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. The diversity of the nominees highlighted the strength and breadth of filmmaking in that particular year.
H3: What is the significance of “The Shape of Water” winning Best Picture?
The significance of “The Shape of Water”’s victory lies in its embracing of genre filmmaking. Prior to its win, fantasy films were often overlooked in major award categories. Its win signaled a growing acceptance of genre films within the Academy and a recognition of their potential to explore profound themes and complex characters. This paved the way for other genre films to be taken more seriously in subsequent years.
H3: Did “The Shape of Water” face any controversies?
While largely praised, “The Shape of Water” faced minor controversies, including plagiarism allegations relating to a play called “Let Me Hear You Whisper.” However, these claims were never substantiated to the extent of jeopardizing the film’s success or reputation. The film also drew some criticism for its graphic content, although this was largely outweighed by positive reviews.
H3: What are the main themes explored in “The Shape of Water”?
The film primarily explores themes of otherness, acceptance, and the power of connection. Elisa’s muteness and the amphibian creature’s unique form serve as metaphors for those marginalized and misunderstood by society. The film champions empathy and understanding, suggesting that love and communication can transcend physical differences and societal barriers.
H3: How did Sally Hawkins prepare for her role as Elisa Esposito?
Sally Hawkins dedicated herself to understanding and embodying Elisa’s character. She learned American Sign Language to communicate effectively on screen and worked closely with del Toro to develop Elisa’s unique physicality and mannerisms. She studied silent film actresses like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton to refine her nonverbal communication skills. Her dedication to her role was crucial to the film’s success.
H3: What is the Cold War setting’s significance in the film?
The Cold War setting provides a backdrop of fear, paranoia, and societal control, mirroring the characters’ own experiences of isolation and oppression. The government laboratory represents the dehumanizing forces of power, while Elisa and the amphibian creature represent individuals seeking freedom and connection in a world governed by fear and suspicion. The Cold War period also amplified the theme of “us vs. them,” which the film directly challenges through the unlikely love story at its heart.
H3: How did Guillermo del Toro create the visual style of the film?
Del Toro is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his unique visual aesthetic. He drew inspiration from classic monster movies, romantic fantasies, and period dramas to create the film’s distinct look. He employed a rich color palette, intricate production design, and stunning visual effects to bring his vision to life. His focus on practical effects, wherever possible, added a tangible quality to the fantastical elements of the story.
H3: What impact did “The Shape of Water” have on representation in Hollywood?
“The Shape of Water” contributed to a broader conversation about representation in Hollywood by featuring a diverse cast of characters and challenging traditional notions of beauty and romance. Elisa, a mute woman, is portrayed as a strong and capable protagonist, demonstrating that disability does not preclude love and connection. The film also celebrates the experiences of marginalized communities, including people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
H3: Is “The Shape of Water” considered a fairy tale for adults?
Yes, “The Shape of Water” is often described as a fairy tale for adults due to its fantastical elements, its exploration of universal themes, and its ultimately hopeful message. It shares common elements with classic fairy tales, such as a damsel in distress, a monstrous creature, and a triumph over adversity. However, it also explores mature themes and contains graphic content that is not typically found in children’s fairy tales. It’s a sophisticated take on the classic fairytale structure.
H3: Where can I watch “The Shape of Water” now?
Availability can change, but as of today, “The Shape of Water” is generally available for streaming on platforms like Hulu (depending on region) and is also often available for purchase or rent through digital retailers such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also widely available.
The Enduring Legacy of a Best Picture Winner
“The Shape of Water” remains a significant film in the history of the Academy Awards. Its Best Picture win marked a victory for genre filmmaking and a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. The film’s themes of acceptance, empathy, and the importance of human connection continue to resonate today, solidifying its place as a modern cinematic masterpiece. It’s a film that invites viewers to embrace the beauty of difference and to find love and understanding in the most unexpected places.