Question

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The lighting in The Shape of Water was used several times throughout the film to establish or emphasize a particular emotion happening in the shot. This is accomplished because many areas in the movie are dimly lit, creating a larger contrast with the light source. In one scene, the lighting truly keys the viewer into what kind of character Strickland really is: power hungry, egotistical, and truly evil.

Towards the beginning of the movie, Strickland can be seen torturing the Amphibian-Man with a cattle prod in a laboratory, with only a single central floodlight for major lighting. In this shot, Strickland is clearly and fully illuminated, while also casting a shadow on the Amphibian-Man. With the lighting this way, you can see everything about Strickland’s intentions through his facial expression and body language: he stands tall to assume dominance over the creature, exerting the fact that in this moment he is more powerful than the Amphibian-Man. Strickland’s face, is best described as menacing in this situation, taking out his frustrations on this creature he intends to kill for simply being different. The Amphibian-Man’s face is slightly visible through the shadow, both confused and beseeching for mercy: the Amphibian-Man does not know what he did wrong, or why he is being tortured. This causes the viewer to feel anger towards Strickland for mistreating this creature, as well as almost afraid by the ego and power that allows him to so pointedly harm the Amphibian-Man. Simultaneously, the viewer feels almost remorseful for the Amphibian-Man, and upset that he is being treated so cruelly. This lighting moreover establishes to the viewer that Strickland is a violent, power-hungry maniac that essentially does what he wants, whereas the Amphibian-Man just wants to survive, leading the common viewer to side with the Amphibian-Man.   

Answer 1

One of the most important things about making a movie is its lighting at the background and lighting to express the emotions the characters experience. Lighting also helps highlight a particular portion in the scenes of the movie that the director intentionally wants the audience to focus. Changing the light themes and colors to match the emotions of the characters in the move helps the movie makers attract the attention of the audience to experience and understand the importance of those particular scenes. Thus, this post brings out different emotions, especially the negative emotions expressed by Strickland while dealing with the Amphibian man. Thus, lighting besides the sound effects adds more value to the movie.

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