“The Shape of Water” (2017) is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film directed by Guillermo del Toro. Set in the 1960s, this fantasy romance follows Elisa, a mute janitor at a high-security government laboratory, who discovers a secret classified experiment. The film beautifully combines elements of romance , fantasy , and social commentary, creating a unique narrative experience.
Symbolism
Movie Scene Device Example Elisa’s apartment filled with water imagery Water symbolizes life, transformation, and connection. The creature’s tank in the lab The tank represents captivity and the need for freedom.
Metaphor
Movie Scene Device Example Elisa cleaning the lab (a place of secrets) Elisa’s cleaning is a metaphor for uncovering hidden truths. The scars on Elisa’s neck The scars symbolize her voice and identity being taken away.
Irony
Movie Scene Device Example Strickland’s obsession with cleanliness while being morally corrupt Dramatic irony highlighting his internal dirt. The lab’s aim to study and kill the creature while Elisa aims to save it Situational irony reflecting conflicting human nature.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Device Example Elisa’s daydreams about the creature Hints at her growing bond and future actions to save him. Strickland’s deteriorating hand Indicates his eventual downfall and unraveling.
Imagery
Movie Scene Device Example Underwater scenes with Elisa and the creature Vivid imagery that conveys their connection and otherworldly beauty. The contrasting colors of the lab and Elisa’s home Highlights the cold, sterile world versus a warm, personal space.
Allusion
Movie Scene Device Example References to classic monster movies Alludes to “Creature from the Black Lagoon” and other horror classics. Elisa’s silent film dreams Nods to the silent film era and the power of non-verbal storytelling.
Personification
Movie Scene Device Example The water “dancing” around Elisa Water is given life and movement, mirroring Elisa’s emotions. The creature’s expressive eyes and actions The creature is given human-like qualities to build empathy.
Allegory
Movie Scene Device Example The creature as a representation of the “other” Allegory for marginalized groups seeking acceptance and understanding.The Cold War backdrop Represents the era’s paranoia and fear of the unknown.
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Device Example Elisa’s silent world versus the noisy lab Highlights her isolation and the chaos around her. The creature’s gentleness versus Strickland’s brutality Emphasizes the contrasting natures and morality.
Motif
Movie Scene Device Example Recurrent use of water Represents fluidity, change, and connection throughout the film. Elisa’s use of sign language Constant reminder of communication barriers and connections.
Elisa Esposito
Device Explanation Symbolism Elisa’s scars symbolize her lost voice and hidden strength. Imagery Her interactions with water imagery (baths, rain) highlight her connection to the creature and her own transformation.
The Amphibian Man
Device Explanation Personification The creature’s human-like emotions and reactions build empathy and blur the line between human and monster. Allegory Represents the “other” in society, highlighting themes of acceptance and the fear of the unknown.
Richard Strickland
Device Explanation Irony Strickland’s obsession with order and cleanliness contrasts with his moral decay and brutality. Foreshadowing His hand’s infection foreshadows his unraveling and downfall , symbolizing the rot within him.
Giles
Device Explanation Allusion References to his past as an artist and classic films create a nostalgic and reflective depth to his character. Juxtaposition Giles’ warm, colorful home contrasts with the sterile lab, reflecting his open-mindedness versus the closed-off nature of the government facility.
Zelda
Device Explanation Metaphor Zelda’s protective nature towards Elisa serves as a metaphor for solidarity and friendship. Motif Recurrent dialogues about race and inequality highlight the social issues of the time and Zelda’s perspective as a black woman.
Character Dynamics
The relationships between characters are crucial to the narrative and themes. Elisa’s bond with the Amphibian Man is the film’s emotional core, symbolizing love and acceptance beyond physical appearance and communication barriers. Strickland’s interactions with other characters highlight his authoritarian nature and ultimate isolation. Giles and Zelda provide support and contrast to Elisa’s silent world, enriching the film’s exploration of marginalized voices.
Love and Acceptance
Device Explanation Symbolism Water symbolizes the fluid, boundary-less nature of love and acceptance. Allegory The creature and Elisa’s relationship represents the acceptance of the “other” and breaking societal norms.
Isolation and Connection
Device Explanation Juxtaposition The isolation of Elisa’s mute world contrasts with her deep connection to the creature, highlighting the theme of finding connection despite barriers. Metaphor The lab’s confinement of the creature mirrors the societal constraints on Elisa, both seeking freedom and connection.
Social Commentary
Device Explanation Irony Strickland’s pursuit of the American Dream through violent means critiques the era’s moral hypocrisy. Motif Recurring references to race, disability, and Cold War paranoia reflect societal issues and critique the marginalization of certain groups.
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Color Palette The use of green and blue tones symbolizes water, life, and transformation throughout the film. Metaphor Cinematography Underwater scenes with fluid, graceful camera movements metaphorically represent the fluidity and depth of Elisa’s emotions and connection. Irony Sound Design The use of cheerful, classic music during dark or violent scenes creates a jarring contrast , emphasizing the irony in Strickland’s actions. Imagery Visual Effects The creature’s design and the underwater sequences use vivid imagery to create a sense of wonder and otherworldliness. Foreshadowing Lighting The use of shadows and light in certain scenes foreshadows events and highlights the dual nature of characters, such as Strickland’s dark side.
Scene Selection
Elisa and the Creature’s Dance
Link: YouTube Scene Breakdown: This scene uses symbolism (water representing connection), imagery (the beautiful underwater dance), and sound (ethereal music) to create a magical and emotional moment that epitomizes the film’s themes of love and acceptance.
Strickland’s Confrontation with Elisa
Link: YouTube Scene Breakdown: The tension is heightened through irony (Strickland’s clean, controlled appearance versus his brutal actions), foreshadowing (his deteriorating hand), and visual techniques (harsh lighting and close-ups) to underscore the clash between freedom and oppression.
To wrap up , here’s a quick quiz to test your knowledge on the literary devices in “The Shape of Water”!
Interactive Quiz
1. Which literary device is used to symbolize life and transformation in the film?
2. How does the film use foreshadowing to hint at Strickland’s fate?
A) Through his dialogues
B) Through his hand infection
C) Through his interactions with the creature
D) Through his obsession with cleanliness
3. Which device is evident in the contrasting colors of the lab and Elisa’s home?
(Answers: 1-C, 2-B, 3-D)
