'The Shape of Water' Review
'The Shape of Water' Review - 6.5/10
This film proves that Guillermo del Toro, is one of the most talented Directors of our time right now in Hollywood.
From a story that finds itself at a crossroads between drama, a cold war thriller and from the power of science fiction, the Director has been able to put together these three different styles to build a solid narrative that results in 2 hours of interesting action.
In fact, the first 15 minutes made me fear that the film would contain a lack of a coherent political message, with references to disability (very well achieved throughout the work), homosexuality and racism, a method that some producers have recently used for self- valuation. However, the distinction between what is the main narrative and the inherent social activism is sublimely interconnected, conveying an ideology through entertainment rather than force.
The storyline is easy to understand and even craves for predictability, as it comes in the wake of the message of human love and integration that has been used many a times in Hollywood beginning with Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," and with too much centrality on the two main characters . However, the way the natural development between human feelings and the emotions of the "monster" creates with the spectator a connection of compassion that makes no one doubt that the love between the two is more than legitimate.
In my opinion, the potential of this film is the audacity of the physical scenarios, since it begins in a research building in the USA, where darkness and democratic perversity prevails, an aspect usually associated with the Soviet side. Del Toro seeks in this way to equate the malice on both sides of a war that is willing to commit the greatest atrocities in search of superiority. Apart from this, still in the department of graphic production, an honourable mention, not only for the beauty of the ‘Orpheum’ cinema, but also the quality of the exquisite underwater scenes. Lastly, we have to praise the anatomical characterization of the "Monster", especially in the scene where it has to dance, as if on a Broadway, there are no errors in its physical traits.
The ending, similar to a classic "James Bond", presents the decisive duel between heroes and villain, who represent opposite values but give a more attractive component to the narrative. From this mixture of influences came two great highlights:
Firstly, as already mentioned, Guillermo Del Toro, who proves that he can do what he wants, and that even with little narrative potential he can be a possible candidate for the Oscars. Second, Sally Hawkins, who without saying a single line has an incredible performance, which I hope can boost her career.
To conclude, I finished this film with a mixed feeling. On the one hand, it's one of the few true-quality cinematic technical films I've had the pleasure of seeing this year. On the other hand, since it presents itself as a favourite for the Award Shows that, as might be expected, the quality of Hollywood films in recent years has diminished, since despite its quality, its story would have difficulty in being noticed in past ceremonies.
Thank you to Mr. Piracy for making this film available as well as so many others.
Signed,
B
