The Shape of Water (2017) - an original story or an adapted story?

Last summer I saw a trailer for the film The Shape of Water, which really piqued my interest, as it seemed to be a mysterious and visually intriguing movie, with actors I really enjoy (Sally Hawkins and Octavia Spencer).

I watched the film in December, and though I found it watchable for the most part, I didn't think it was very a original story; as it was essentially a new twist on an old tale. One thing that especially didn't sit with me well was the dialogue; it felt as if the actors were all using language and speaking as if it were modern times and not early 1960s, and that was a bit distracting. I imagined what the film would be like if it were in a foreign language with subtitles, or set in another country, as it may have worked for me a bit better.

I was surprised that the film received so many Oscar nominations this year; it may win some technical awards, and possibly best picture, director, actress, and possibly Best Original Screenplay - emphasis on "Original".

Leading up to the Awards ceremony, there's been some controversy surrounding the film, with questions being raised as to whether the filmmakers are guilty of plagiarizing the story from another work - a play called Let Me Hear You Whisper by Paul Zindel. The play was also made into two films - 1969 version and a 1990 version. 

I was not familiar with the story or the films, but people who have been pointing out the similarities on Twitter and other social media since last summer. In this article from Hollywood Nerd, the similarities are pointed out, and they are remarkable.  There's also some people who are questioning that director Guillermo del Toro was influenced to write the film based on a story idea he heard from  novelist Daniel Kraus who may have been familiar with the Zindel story (article here). A few other similar court cases about plagiarism are noted in this article here.

According to a recent Deadline article, del Toro claims he's never seen nor heard of the original play, which may be true but quite a coincidence because the two stories are so similar. One would think that at least a credit such as "Inspired by a Story by Paul Zindel" would be appropriate. If the film wins Best Picture, I may be a bit miffed not so much because of this controversy, but because I still feel that in 1992, Beauty and the Beast should have won the Best Picture Oscar, and feel that was a far better fairy tale film.

Blue Jasmine (2013)

Cate Blanchett was really good; I'd be very happy if she won the Oscar this year. The movie is all about her character, a New York socialite who relocates to San Francisco after losing all her wealth. The screenplay by director Woody  Her character is like a fish out of water, and there is some humor in that. When a man falls for her, it made me think of the Vivien Leigh and Karl Malden characters in  A Streetcar Named Desire.  For example, I like how the movie frequently flashes back to her life in New York with her ex husband, played by Alec Baldwin, who's been playing philandering characters going back to 1988's Married to the Mob and Working Girl. The flashbacks slowly reveals what Blanchett's character went through. The supporting cast is excellent as well, especially Sally Hawkins who plays her sister --- she's like the "Stella" character from Streetcar.  And I love all the locations in this movie and scenery. There's a cool view when when Blanchett steps on the terrace of an oceanfront property.

Jane Eyre (2011)

If you live near a theater showing it and are looking for a good movie experience, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Without comparing it to the novel (which I have't read) or any other film versions (I've only seen the 1944 version) I must say it is a thrilling film experience, even if you know the basic story. Cheers to the director, Cary Fukunaga, who did a marvelous job, and to the screenwriters. You can get a sense of Jane's yearning for freedom from the very first scenes, and what she will do to achieve it. I loved what was done with the flashback scenes and the focus on the life-changing decisions that Jane has to make. It's a fine period film with beautiful scenery. And amazing performances, especially from Mia Wasikowska, as Jane. Also, Jamie Bell (as St. John Rivers) impressed me.  The actor who plays Rochester, Michael Fassbender is great. Judi Dench's presence in the film (as Mrs Fairfax) is a highlight. A modern day classic, and a must-see. A+ Not on DVD. In cinemas now.

It is PG-13 for brief moments of violence and some mature subject matter. If you know the story you will know what to expect; in the beginning young Jane is hit, and later, Helen is hit in the school.

Special thanks to the blog Enchanted Serenity of Period Films for all the updates on this movie and for posting trailers, featurettes, and links about the film.