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Fragko Tseni

Professor Julie Baker

English 1301- 280

9 March 2024

"The Shape of Water" poster

Movie posters are not only promotional tools; they serve as complex visual

stories that convey underlying messages and themes of the films they represent.

Among these, the poster for the Academy Award-winning film "The Shape of Water"

emerges as a captivating illustration, weaving together intricate elements to convey its

thematic depth and emotional resonance. The "Shape of Water" poster is a great

example of visual storytelling, it uses symbols and meaning to draw viewers into its

world and explore its themes. Through a detailed analysis of its visual elements, it

contends that the poster for "The Shape of Water" transcends its role as a mere

advertisement, serving as a visual gateway to the cinematic journey that awaits its

audience. Crafted to intrigue and captivate viewers, the poster strategically employs

color choices, symbolism, and composition to evoke the film's narrative essence.

“New Poster for Guillermo Del Toro’s the Shape of

Water.” Flickering Myth, 20 Oct. 2017
Beginning a

close examination
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of the visual elements in "The Shape of Water" poster analyzing its color palette,

symbolism and composition, it delves into how these interact to express the film's

themes and create emotion as well as need to watch the movie and learn more about

it. By looking into this, the essay hopes to show how choices made in poster design

help people understand the movie's plot better, making the experience better and more

real for everyone who pays close attention and cares for the meanings behind the

poster. Moreover, by looking at the details of visual storytelling, it also shows how

each part of the poster helps it connect with people on a deeper level and how they all

work together to make the picture that holds the major meaning that attracts the

viewers. By looking at the complicated visual story of the poster, it tries to show how

these parts connect viewers to the world of "The Shape of Water," making their

experience better and their relationship to the story stronger.

The colors in "The Shape of Water" poster create a captivating atmosphere that

draws viewers into the film's world. The dominant shades of blue remind the viewers

of the deep ocean and the mysteries it holds. The blue tones also reflect the

protagonist's profound connection to water, which plays a significant role in the story.

Moreover, the subtle hints of green add another layer of depth to the poster. They

symbolize growth and renewal, suggesting that even in the depths of uncertainty, there

is always room for new beginnings. Just like the foliage thriving underwater, the

characters in the film experience personal growth and transformation throughout their

journey. By using these specific colors, the poster not only sets the tone for the film

but also taps into the audience's desire for escapism and emotional resonance. The

deliberate choice of colors in the poster not only aligns with the film's thematic

elements but also enhances the overall viewing experience, making it more immersive

and unforgettable.
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In "The Shape of Water" poster, there is a powerful image of a woman holding

a mysterious creature underwater. This scene tells a lot about the story without using

any words, it unfolds a story about a woman's connection with the creature that shows

intimacy and acceptance, even though it is different from her, the way light and

shadow play around them also adds a sense of mystery and romance, pulling viewers

into the story. Also, the aquatic motifs and ethereal lighting intricately woven into the

poster represent themes of love, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity. They

emotionally engage viewers, reminding them of the film's powerful message about

embracing differences and finding love in unexpected places. Overall, the symbol in

the poster helps people connect with the characters and unfold the story.

The "Shape of Water" poster is carefully put together to make us focus on

important parts while making everything look harmonious. In the center, viewers can

see the main character with the creature, surrounded by swirling water and underwater

plants, something that shows their unique connection and how they belong together.

The lines and arrangement of things guide people’s eyes to this main point, making

sure they notice their emotional bond and the movie's main idea of acceptance. The

soft curves and elegant lines of the typography reflect the tender emotions depicted in

the artwork, fostering a sense of compassion and empathy in the viewers. This

thoughtful design element invites the audience to embrace the deep connections that

can be made through understanding and acceptance. These choices not only capture

viewers' interest but also remind them of the movie's important message about

kindness and understanding, mirroring the characters in "The Shape of Water".

In summary, the analysis of "The Shape of Water" poster shows how it goes

beyond typical movie advertising, effectively positioning the themes and emotions of

the movie to grab people's attention in an effort to promote the movie. The colors,
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symbols and layout of the poster draws viewers into the world of the film and make

them feel different emotions. In this way colors play an important role, blue is used

which represents the film's association with water and mystery, while green suggests

growth and renewal. The image of a woman embracing a mysterious creature shows

the film's message of embracing diversity, enhanced by water symbols and soft

lighting. The poster design guides viewers' attention to the film's central theme,

acceptance and empathy. It also helps viewers better understand the film and connect

with its characters and themes, fulfilling its promises and emphasizing its importance

analysis of visual elements.

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Works Cited

Abrams, Simon. “The Artist behind Awards Season’s Most Stunning Movie Posters.”

Vanity Fair, 8 Dec. 2017, www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/12/james-jean-

shape-of-water-mother-blade-runner-posters.

Murphy, Mekado. “The Hand-Drawn Journey of the “Shape of Water” Poster.” The

New York Times, 3 Nov. 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/11/03/movies/the-

shape-of-water-poster-guillermo-del-toro-james-jean.html.