The Shape of Water: A Fishy Tale of Liberal Fantasy

In 2017, Guillermo del Toro's film "The Shape of Water" splashed onto the scene, winning hearts and Oscars alike. Set in the Cold War era of 1962 Baltimore, this fantastical love story between a mute janitor and a humanoid amphibian creature was hailed as a masterpiece by Hollywood elites. But let's not be fooled by the glittering accolades and the artsy cinematography. This film is a prime example of liberal Hollywood's obsession with pushing boundaries and blurring lines, all while ignoring the real issues that matter to everyday Americans.

First off, let's talk about the plot. A mute woman falls in love with a fish-man. Really? This is what passes for romance these days? It's a classic case of Hollywood trying to normalize the abnormal, pushing the envelope just for the sake of it. Instead of focusing on stories that resonate with the average person, they choose to glorify the bizarre and the outlandish. It's as if they're saying, "Look how progressive we are!" while patting themselves on the back for being so open-minded.

The film's setting during the Cold War is no coincidence either. It's a thinly veiled attempt to draw parallels between the past and present, suggesting that the current political climate is just as fraught with fear and division. But let's be real. The Cold War was a time of genuine global tension, with nuclear threats and espionage. Comparing it to today's political landscape is not only misleading but also diminishes the real struggles faced by those who lived through that era.

And then there's the villain, a caricature of the evil government agent. He's the embodiment of everything Hollywood loves to hate: authority, tradition, and order. By painting him as the antagonist, the film sends a clear message: those who uphold the status quo are the real monsters. It's a tired trope that we've seen time and time again, yet Hollywood never seems to tire of it.

The film's message of acceptance and love is all well and good, but it's wrapped in a package that's hard to swallow. It's easy to preach about tolerance and understanding when you're sitting in a cushy theater seat, far removed from the realities of everyday life. But for those of us living in the real world, where jobs, security, and family values matter, this kind of fantasy is just that—a fantasy.

Moreover, the film's portrayal of the government as the enemy is a dangerous narrative. It feeds into the distrust and division that already plague our society. Instead of fostering unity and cooperation, it drives a wedge between the people and those in power. It's a classic case of Hollywood biting the hand that feeds it, all in the name of artistic expression.

Let's not forget the film's blatant disregard for traditional storytelling. In their quest to be different, the filmmakers have thrown out the rulebook, opting for style over substance. The result is a film that's visually stunning but ultimately hollow. It's a reminder that sometimes, the emperor really has no clothes.

"The Shape of Water" may have won the hearts of critics and the Academy, but it's a far cry from the kind of storytelling that resonates with the heartland. It's a film that panders to the elite, while ignoring the values and concerns of everyday Americans. In their quest to be edgy and avant-garde, Hollywood has once again shown just how out of touch they are with the real world.

So, while the film may have made waves in the industry, it's just another drop in the ocean of liberal fantasy. For those of us who value tradition, common sense, and reality, it's nothing more than a fishy tale best left in the depths of Hollywood's imagination.