tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post7148693694303932698..comments2024-03-28T15:25:55.785-07:00Comments on Raybeard: Film: 'The Shape of Water'Raybeardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-46772341480341052972018-08-19T10:58:29.492-07:002018-08-19T10:58:29.492-07:00Hey Ray - this is waaaay late a response. But Ron...Hey Ray - this is waaaay late a response. But Ron Tipton just watched the film and while discussing it he mentioned to me about your review. If that was a nod to me being the Hamilton blog follower - a humble thanks. I love your film reviews and I should read them more often. As I see quite a number and certainly could comment.<br />I, like Ron, enjoyed the film. Certainly an off the wall story. It's a bit of a haze to me now but I know for sure I didn't experience the same impact you did as you mentioned in the review. And to tell the truth this film wouldn't have even been on my radar except that I heard some of it was filmed in my beloved new city home, Hamilton, as well as in my old city home Toronto.<br />And I must admit I was excited when I saw our very '60's mid century modern, and completely restored (with awards received) city hall shown twice in the film. I also know the diner (in Toronto) where the altercation takes place between waiter/owner and graphic designer.<br />But overall enjoyed the film and glad to know that Del Toro would like to have a film studio located in Hamilton.<br />I hope to correspond with you on your upcoming reviews. I've been taking in a lot of popcorn films lately. By the way - I think my favourite film to date is Fracture with Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling. Just to let you know.<br /><br />All the best - Patpat888https://www.blogger.com/profile/14258757006598488676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-3355321368974668942018-08-19T09:35:10.291-07:002018-08-19T09:35:10.291-07:00Ray,
I finally saw "The Shape of Water" ...Ray,<br />I finally saw "The Shape of Water" last night. I agree with you, there were times I felt profoundly uncomfortable, the scenes of the creature being tortured by the Michael Shannon character. However, overall, I was "entertained" by the film. To me "entertained" not only means all smiles and happy but a film that holds my interest. "Game of Thrones" is a good example. There are many parts of that series that are very uncomfortable to watch but those scenes are part of the whole story. That series would not be the same without those scenes, uncomfortable as they are. In "The Shape of Water" I liked the acting, the cinema photography. and pace of the story. The film held my interest the whole plus two hours and that is my measure of being "entertained." Just to be clear however, I wasn't prepared to like it and kept putting off seeing it. Now I am glad I saw it. I would give a rating of 8 on a scale of 10. Maybe even a 9! Ronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161930319264523497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-33803267689965501372018-03-14T22:42:17.352-07:002018-03-14T22:42:17.352-07:00Let me know what you think. Being one of the few w...Let me know what you think. Being one of the few who didn't like it (solely because of the discomfort it caused me) it's awfully lonely out here!Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-43538824618928545542018-03-14T19:54:32.580-07:002018-03-14T19:54:32.580-07:00Ray,
I haven't seen this movie but I will.
Ron...Ray,<br />I haven't seen this movie but I will.<br />RonRonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161930319264523497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-44032665540360649852018-03-01T21:24:13.804-08:002018-03-01T21:24:13.804-08:00As far as I'm concerned, Ron, this film illust...As far as I'm concerned, Ron, this film illustrates the growing disconnect between me and films that are considered as 'good', and it's exactly this which makes me want to stop reviewing films in general, though I'd still be going to see films that I personally think I'll like rather than placing great store by other people's opinions. Day after tomorrow at the Oscars will show whether Pat's liking for it has been vindicated, which I what I think will happen. If it does scoop up awards I can't change my negative opinion of it however much I wish could. Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-10055166892432250962018-03-01T17:48:11.751-08:002018-03-01T17:48:11.751-08:00Ray,
Pat liked this movie which was a surprise to ...Ray,<br />Pat liked this movie which was a surprise to him. He did say it could have done without the sex scenes. I haven't seen the film yet but I will. I like all the actors and the theme. Another good review!<br />RonRonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161930319264523497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-45260989721726260062018-02-26T22:27:05.001-08:002018-02-26T22:27:05.001-08:00I can only surmise that I've grown more sensit...I can only surmise that I've grown more sensitive, Dr Spo - due perhaps to my getting thin-skinned (or is that tautology?) If it's so then I don't regret the way I feel.Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-68456592067428639762018-02-26T14:05:10.214-08:002018-02-26T14:05:10.214-08:00Indeed everyone lauds this movie here. Indeed everyone lauds this movie here. Ur-spohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04237644452200889946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-41257261793035736942018-02-22T22:36:59.588-08:002018-02-22T22:36:59.588-08:00It really was a shame that my reaction was so unfa...It really was a shame that my reaction was so unfavourable, Dave, when I'd been fully expecting to have liked it, and most especially considering the star presence of Miss Hawkins, but that's how it goes. Normally I'd wait to watch it again on TV but in this case I'm not keen to do so despite knowing that I can simply switch it off at any time. However, as there have been so many who've been on its side maybe I ought to do just that, giving it another chance. Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-72388950320106372432018-02-22T16:44:00.989-08:002018-02-22T16:44:00.989-08:00What a shame you didn't like it, I loved it. ...What a shame you didn't like it, I loved it. The heroes of that time period are villains, the enemies become heroes, when assets are treated as just assets, without compassion and race is treated as something worse. The nasty was necessary because that's how things were.Dave Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10429379083970699093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-61278160201629336542018-02-22T03:18:07.327-08:002018-02-22T03:18:07.327-08:00Good to have you back again, Sol. Just like old ti...Good to have you back again, Sol. Just like old times!<br /><br />It seems that more and more films these days need a thick skin in order to 'enjoy' them - as well as being able to shrug them off afterwards and just to forget them, something I find increasingly hard to achieve. I couldn't recommend this one to any particularly sensitive souls such as the likes of us.<br /><br />I've seen no reviews at all about 'Red Sparrow' which hasn't arrived here yet. I'll most likely be seeing it, if not for the story (which doesn't look too promising) more for its distinguished cast, and that ought to be enough to keep the blues at bay.Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-25838241634783798182018-02-22T03:08:21.062-08:002018-02-22T03:08:21.062-08:00Hey Ray, I have read other reviews which are near ...Hey Ray, I have read other reviews which are near enough the same as yours. I wont be seeing it as I think it will upset me. I am going to see Red Sparrow I hope it is good<br /><br />Solhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10518631542782309728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-48878619483549991072018-02-21T21:34:14.614-08:002018-02-21T21:34:14.614-08:00I think you ought to see it, Mark. I wouldn't ...I think you ought to see it, Mark. I wouldn't be happy if what I said would put anyone off about any film at all - that is, unless you're like me in finding no 'entertainment' in the depiction of pain and distress on anyone, including animals - in that case you'd need to be warned, though I'd still prefer it if you DID go. <br />I too was surprised at my own reaction even though I did have an inkling at a number of 'cruel' scenes, but I had no idea that they would be so pervasive, and if there is any sense of 'redemption' at the conclusion of this film it's very muted and one-sided.<br /><br />I'm finding that as I grow to what may be termed an 'advanced' age, I've become considerably more sensitive towards the suffering of other beings. It was always so but it's now become so much harder to bear - such as I can't watch the news now without having the remote in my hand to switch over from having to watch sufferings in Syria, for example. This has only happened in the last few years. <br /><br />It may well win 'Best Picture' Oscar. If it does it will only confirm that I've grown apart from the generally accepted view of what is now considered to be a 'good' film. Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-64213112948320735422018-02-21T18:49:56.509-08:002018-02-21T18:49:56.509-08:00I have not seen this film yet, but I'm very su...I have not seen this film yet, but I'm very surprised at your negative reaction to it. I've heard it might very well win the best picture Oscar. From what I've seen, it sounded like a fairly original premise and was looking forward to eventually seeing it. Now, I don't know if I even want to see it at all. BlogMarkBloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07055243084906096819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-60927927884398748742018-02-21T01:37:47.090-08:002018-02-21T01:37:47.090-08:00Although I wasn't that struck by the first ...Although I wasn't that struck by the first 'Padd', J, the second one more than made up for it - and I'm with you on avoiding 'kiddie' films. I've no doubt you'll find it at least just as joyful or, more likely, even better. I hope so.Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-16025637093554864432018-02-21T00:21:54.044-08:002018-02-21T00:21:54.044-08:00That's how I feel too. I'm looking forward...That's how I feel too. I'm looking forward to seeing Paddington 2, I just loved P 1. I actually saw it twice, unprecedented! (And I usually can't stand children's films.) Judithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13974206679853189199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-63316142523092194492018-02-20T21:56:20.535-08:002018-02-20T21:56:20.535-08:00Suspect I may have missed the boat on this one, bu...Suspect I may have missed the boat on this one, but haven't yet given up all hope.Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-61097892630357168482018-02-20T21:47:27.340-08:002018-02-20T21:47:27.340-08:00It's films such as this, Judith, which is happ...It's films such as this, Judith, which is happening with increasing frequency, that gets me questioning why I'm spending money, time and effort only to be made miserable when I've got a myriad other reasons for doing just that, but which I generally manage to rise above. If I really must feed my cinema-going addiction I think I ought to be looking more sheer 'fun' films like the marvellously uplifting 'Paddington 2' where I'm leaving the cinema with a spring in my step.Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-15251290407467298632018-02-20T21:39:51.040-08:002018-02-20T21:39:51.040-08:00I agree that it skilfully steered away from being ...I agree that it skilfully steered away from being too 'sappy', Bob, but although I can still enjoy a film that makes me squirm once or twice, those occasions took place too often for me to tolerate in this one. Clearly it works for some, even most people, and the fact that you are one of them (or two of them) doesn't surprise me at all. I only wish I could have joined you in that opinion.<br /><br />If 'Billboards' scoops the Oscar for 'Best Picture', as it very nearly certainly shall, I'll also be satisfied. Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-70134047829787045642018-02-20T21:34:01.659-08:002018-02-20T21:34:01.659-08:00Your view seems to have a clear majority, M.M., an...Your view seems to have a clear majority, M.M., and I don't mind that in the least. Without trying to look for 'excuses' for me where none exist it may be one of those films that illustrate just how out of touch with contemporary film-makers I've become, largely on account of age - perhaps rather like my having given up on following pop music about 15 years ago for the very same reason.<br />I wouldn't like to challenge your own enjoyment of a film such as this, even if it had made me depressed. However, I'm keener than ever to look out to see 'Pan's Labyrinth' when I can. At least if I catch it it'll be easier to stop watching if it gets me feeling too uncomfortable.<br /> Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-32903986348611750682018-02-20T16:29:54.932-08:002018-02-20T16:29:54.932-08:00This is on at my local and I was all lined up to g...This is on at my local and I was all lined up to go see it, because I admire Sally Hawkins and Richard Jenkins. But then I changed my mind after reading a few reviews which commented on the darkness and cruelty I decided not my cuppa, and your review confirms my decision. These days I stick to "feel good" movies. Or at least "feel ok" movies! :)<br />Judithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13974206679853189199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-72098669239600581122018-02-20T15:33:46.808-08:002018-02-20T15:33:46.808-08:00We liked it, and liked the dark, meanness to it be...We liked it, and liked the dark, meanness to it because it pushed away what might have been sappy.<br />I liked that it wasn't one way or the other, but kind of both.<br />As for Oscar's Best Picture, I am still rooting for "THree Billboards."Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302478126147924237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-76500686148268818142018-02-20T14:56:56.284-08:002018-02-20T14:56:56.284-08:00Now I have to say, I did enjoy the film only becau...Now I have to say, I did enjoy the film only because I enjoy the kind of "odd" genre marterial the movie had, like the odd creature....and I adore Sally and Octavia, not to mention I'm a huge Guillermo del Toro fan. I do have Pans Labyrinth on dvd and must admit I did enjoy that film more. One of my top 10 films. I, for just me, would give Shape of Water a 6/7 out of 10....but I highly doubt in will take the Oscar. Seems to be a movie people like or hate...no in between.Mistress Maddiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02098940220513091207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-55655930447726904492018-02-20T13:14:47.051-08:002018-02-20T13:14:47.051-08:00Loveless is my film of the year so far this year. ...Loveless is my film of the year so far this year. Rachel Phillipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16053924416805878169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-926347286766677626.post-62842098746543024392018-02-20T11:10:53.512-08:002018-02-20T11:10:53.512-08:00No, I haven't seen the Pan film, though I know...No, I haven't seen the Pan film, though I know that Mark Kermode raves about it, rating it as being the single greatest film of this century so far. I think it's been on telly a couple of times, though at unearthly hours. From your endorsement I want to see it even more now.<br />I'll be surprised if you don't like 'Shape of Water' a great deal more than I did.Raybeardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424095016313843883noreply@blogger.com