Back in 2001, a French film captivated audiences around the world, thanks to the comedy elements, the magical world created by Jean Pierre Jeunet using Paris as the main character, the color green, but also the power of love against all odds. The film earned 5 Oscar nominations and became a success. In a way, Amelié as the character a woman living to be herself, isolated from the rest of the world, was looking for some good, by secretly orchestrating the lives of others for good. This is a very profound element of the film making it very unique.
The concept of loneliness in turbulent times, search for love in strange places and the idea of tolerance and respect is portrayed in the new Guillermo's del Toro film "The Shape of Water" the story of Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins) a mute woman working as a janitor in a government secret facility in Baltimore, she only has two friends a gay ad illustrator Giles (Richard Jenkins) and Zelda (Octavia Spencer) who works with Elisa as a janitor too. One day a creature in a tank is brought to the facility by Colonel Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon). Elisa curious about the creature she decided to sneak into the room where is held for curiosity. With every visit, Elisa and the monster develop a bond, becoming close and close. Colonel Strickland plan is to find whatever powers this creature has in order to use by the US government in the space race against Russia.
"The Shape of Water" takes place in the 60's a time where colored people were not welcome in certain places, women's role was focused on taking care the kids, cook, and care for their husband. A true misogynists lifestyle who still live on in certain societies.
Elisa character is seen as fragile because of her limitation, Zelda as a black woman who can be restraint and last but not least Giles as a gay guy who wants to express his feelings, but he also trapped in the terrible corporate world of advertising, a true Mad Men experience. The film hits the highest peak when Elisa falls in love with the creature and is working hard to help him to escape after witnessing how Colonel Stricklan tortures the creature to the risk of killing him.
Del Toro creates a fable, that at this point is been compared to two early produced stories, a short film from the Netherlands and an American play from 1969. There is no doubt that "The Shape of Water" is not new or completely original, films like Amelié mentioned at the very beginning of this review is heavily influenced.
"The Shape of Water" is beautifully made, cinematography, music, editing, original score, visual effects and art direction and a great tribute to films from the 60's and love stories against all odds.