With directorGuillermo del Toro’s fairy taleThe Shape of Wateropening in select theaters this weekend, I recently sat down withMichael Shannonfor an exclusive video interview. He talked about what he looks for in a director, the amazing practical sets and the level of detail, when he realized The Shape of Waterwould be such a special film, how del Toro provided him with a lot of extra material about his character, the way he likes to work on set and why he doesn’t bring the character he’s playing home with him, and a lot more. In addition, he also talked about getting to work with his99 HomesdirectorRamin Bahraniagain while makingFahrenheit 451withMichael B. Jordanand modernizing the classicRay Bradburystory.
If you haven’t seen any ofThe Shape of Watertrailers, the film was written by del Toro andVanessa Taylorand takes place in 1962 America against the backdrop of the Cold War. The fantastic film starsSally Hawkinsas Elisa, a lonely and mute cleaning woman who works in a high-security government laboratory, where a new specimen has just arrived: a mysterious Fish Man, played byDoug Jonesin full makeup. Matters are complicated when Elisa strikes up a friendly relationship with the Fish Man, only to seeMichael Shannon’sterrifying security expert treat the creature like a wild animal, abuse and all. The movie also starsOctavia Spencer,Richard Jenkins, andMichael Stuhlbarg.
I’ve seen a lot of movies this year andThe Shape of Wateris one of the best. Strongly recommended. For more on the film you canread Brian Formo’s review.
Check out what Michael Shannon had to say in the player above and below is exactly what we talked about.
Michael Shannon:
