With directorGuillermo del Toro’s fairy taleThe Shape of Wateropening in select theaters this weekend, I recently sat down with actorDoug Jonesfor an exclusive video interview, who’s a regular collaborator of del Toro’s and who plays the Fish Man inShape of Water. He talked about his collaboration process with del Toro, how he typically prepares for a character, how Guillermo had to keep reminding him to make Fish Man an “animalistic” performance, when he knewShape of Waterwould be such a special film, the amazing production design, how easy is it for him to break character when he’s done shooting for the day, and so much more. Plus, at the end of the interview, we talked about the first season ofStar Trek: Discovery.
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 Doug Jones had to say in the player above and below is exactly what we talked about.
Doug Jones:
