How to Pronounce The Shape of Water

Meaning and Context

"The Shape of Water" is a critically acclaimed 2017 fantasy romantic drama film directed by visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Set against the tense backdrop of the Cold War in 1962 Baltimore, the narrative centers on Elisa Esposito, a mute janitor working at a clandestine government aerospace laboratory. Her isolated life is profoundly transformed when she discovers and forms a deep, empathetic bond with a captured humanoid amphibian creature, leading to an unconventional and poignant love story. The film masterfully blends genres, weaving together elements of gothic romance, historical fiction, and creature feature, all rendered in del Toro's signature visual style characterized by lush cinematography and meticulous production design. Celebrated for its themes of otherness, communication, and compassion, "The Shape of Water" achieved the highest cinematic honor, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 90th Oscars, along with directing awards for del Toro and accolades for its original score and production design. This dark fairy tale remains a significant entry in del Toro's filmography and a standout in modern fantasy cinema.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary title, "The Shape of Water," is consistently spelled as such, with "Shape" and "Water" capitalized in formal references. Common misspellings and typos often involve article confusion or compound word errors, such as "Shape of Water" (dropping the initial "The"), "The Shape of Waters" (adding an unnecessary plural 's'), or "The Shape Water" (omitting the preposition "of"). Some may incorrectly merge words as "The Shapeof Water" or "TheShapeofWater." In searches, the film is sometimes mistakenly associated with more generic aquatic terms, leading to queries like "Shape of Water creature" or "Water Shape movie." It is also distinct from similarly themed works, so confusion with titles like "The Water Horse" or "The Abyss" occasionally occurs. Ensuring the correct inclusion of the definite article "The" and the proper preposition "of" is crucial for accurate identification.

Example Sentences

Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water swept the 2018 Academy Awards, taking home the prize for Best Picture.

Critics praised the film for its audacious premise, which frames a tender romance between a mute woman and an amphibian man as a Cold War-era fairy tale.

The hauntingly beautiful score by Alexandre Desplat perfectly complements the film's ethereal and melancholic atmosphere.

While some viewers found the narrative unconventional, others were deeply moved by its central theme of connection beyond words.

To fully appreciate the visual symbolism, many film students analyze The Shape of Water in courses on modern cinematic fantasy.

The creature's design, known as the Asset, has become an iconic piece of modern practical effects and makeup artistry.

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