Guillermo del Toro on The Shape of Water

TL;DR

Director discusses his film's success and creative process.

Transcript

HOW ARE YOU? >> Jimmy: HEY, CONGRATULATIONS, FIRST OF ALL, ON ALL THE NOMINATIONS. YOU GOT MORE NOMINATIONS THAN ANY MOVIE. THAT'S EXCITING. THESE NOL NATIONS CAME OUT YESTERDAY. DID YOU WAKE UP EARLY TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN? WRURD FOR IT? >> I SAID TO MY MANAGER, YOU CALL ME WHEN EVERYTHING HAPPENS AND WE'LL SEE. IT IS NOT REALLY GLAMOR... Read More

Key Insights

• ⏰ The director humorously narrates his morning of receiving Golden Globe nominations, showcasing his personality and candidness about the film industry.
• 🥰 The film is established as an adult fairytale, combining extraordinary elements with relatable themes of love and connection.
• 🎨 The creation process of the creature demonstrates a commitment to artistry, highlighted by the three-year effort to realize its design and execution.
• 🎥 Audience engagement is vital, as the director believes emotional response during the first screening defines the film's future success.
• 🍉 The film's overarching narrative emerges from childhood inspirations and personal reflections, indicating the importance of long-term creative vision.
• 📁 Humor and sincerity coexist in filmmaking, which the director embraces as part of his creative identity and storytelling approach.
• 🎥 The involvement of a capable crew was essential in achieving the film's ambitious visual effects and conveying its whimsical yet profound storyline.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the director’s reaction to receiving multiple Golden Globe nominations?

The director expressed excitement about receiving the most nominations for his film, humorously revealing that he woke up to the news and struggled to find his glasses in the process. His enthusiasm reflects how significant these nominations are for his career and the film's success.

Q: How did the director come up with the idea for the movie?

The idea for the movie dates back to when the director was six years old. While watching "Creature from the Black Lagoon," he envisioned an alternative ending where the creature lives. This childhood inspiration grew over 46 years into the film, blending nostalgia with a new narrative.

Q: What challenges did the director face while creating the creature?

According to the director, creating the central creature took an extensive three years. This involved two years of design followed by a year of execution, as he wanted the creature to embody a unique blend of horror and beauty, focusing on its elemental aspects for the film's aesthetic.

Q: How does the director feel about the movie's impact on its audience?

He believes the audience's reaction is crucial, as from the first shot, filmmakers can gauge whether viewers are engaged. He highlighted that the experience of screening the film for a live audience is profound and provides immediate feedback on its emotional and narrative effectiveness.

Q: Was there any concern regarding the film's love scene between a human and a creature?

The director admitted to having concerns about the love scene’s portrayal, recognizing that it could easily come off as ridiculous. However, he affirmed that art often walks the line between sublime and absurd, emphasizing the importance of creative risk-taking in filmmaking.

Q: How did the crew respond to the unconventional aspects of the film?

The crew was fully on board with the unconventional elements of the movie, despite initial skepticism about scenes involving the creature. They used a unique technique called "dry for wet," creating realistic underwater effects to support the narrative while filming in a creative environment.

Q: What role does humor play in the director’s understanding of his work?

He views humor as closely tied to tragedy in filmmaking. The director argued that encapsulating deep emotion often involves a balance of both elements, therefore ensuring that his creations resonate meaningfully with audiences, even under diverse circumstances.

Q: What aspects of the movie make it a classic, according to the director?

The director believes that the film stands out as a classic due to its unique love story set against a backdrop of social commentary, connecting audiences with timeless themes of acceptance and love in challenging circumstances. This emotional depth is crucial to its enduring impact.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The director shares his excitement about his movie receiving the most nominations at the Golden Globes, highlighting its significance in his career.

• He describes the process of creating the film's central creature, stating it took three years to bring the character to life, emphasizing its beauty.

• The conversation includes insights into the film's unique plot, the challenges faced during production, and the emotional connection with audiences during screenings.