The Shape of Water

[zico]

8/10. An unusual, mainly whimsical film, but with some surprisingly gruesome bits. Beautifully shot and presented.

The plot is about a janitor who's best mate is a merman (as opposed to mermaid). But I think it's really about showing how apparently ordinary people can have rich and enjoyable lives, despite not being seen as high-achievers. It's the sort of film that's very visual, although there is a plot. Set in 1960's USA in the heart of the Cold War, where everything is cold, grey and clinical, but the film's main character drifts along in a happy bubble of contentment, even with her lowly job in a research facility.

It's not a film where you go for a good plot and snappy dialogue, but instead to watch the various characters developing, and enjoy the photography of it all.

Pretty much the sort of film I expected from seeing the trailer, but it had a few minor side-plots to give it added interest.
Not really my type of film, but I was certainly a lot less restless in my seat than I was for "Phantom Thread". If you get forced to watch either this or "Phantom Thread", I'd pick this.

[didds]

Saw it tonight. Was hoping for something interesting as it's the same director as Pans Labyrinth. Not as edgy as PL but hugely enjoyable none the less. It's many things in one film really... Sci FI, love, about people who are alone, cold war albeit low key. Interesting view on goody v baddy on the cold war aspect.

Particularly amusing for me cos the artist neighbor is a doppleganger for a chum of mine that works in our local cinema!

Didds

[todthedog]

Really looked forward to seeing this film very disappointed.
Characters were one dimensional.
The sea creature see Dr Who and the Silerians!
Too long and unoriginal 60's B movie. Splash without the humour and charm but with added sex and graphic torture.
Realise that I am in a minority over hyped and over long.

[didds]

Realise that I am in a minority over hyped and over long.

That doesn't make your opinion invalid though todthedog

didds

[todthedog]

Thanks Didds, don't want to win the grumpy old *** award.
On the positive side really liked 3 billboards

[didds]

Thanks Didds, don't want to win the grumpy old *** award.
On the positive side really liked 3 billboards

you are the Anti-Didds and I claim my £5

didds

[Itsallaguess]

Really looked forward to seeing this film very disappointed.

Characters were one dimensional.

The sea creature see Dr Who and the Silerians!

Too long and unoriginal 60's B movie. Splash without the humour and charm but with added sex and graphic torture.

Realise that I am in a minority over hyped and over long.

I wouldn't put it down as being that bad, but it certainly wasn't as good as some of his earlier work.

Looking forward to Three Billboards ourselves this weekend, so will report back after we've seen that.

Cheers,

Itsallaguess