The origin of 'The Shape of Water' lies in Guillermo del Toro's creative mind. He often draws from his love of monsters and the idea of the underdog. He wanted to tell a story set in the 1960s that would touch on themes like segregation and the power of connection. The concept of a mute woman falling in love with a non - human being was part of his exploration of different forms of love and communication. He also incorporated elements of Cold War paranoia into the story to add depth and context.
One of the main themes is love that transcends differences. In the story, the relationship between the human and the non - human (the creature) shows that love can exist between two very different beings. Another theme could be the idea of otherness. The creature is different from the ordinary humans, and the story explores how society reacts to this 'other' and how the characters who form a bond with it see beyond its appearance.
Elisa, she is at the heart of the story. Her muteness makes her an outsider in a way, but it also gives her a different perspective. Then there's Strickland, who is sort of the antagonist. He represents the more cruel and unfeeling side of humanity. And the creature, which is the focus of Elisa's affection and the source of much of the story's conflict and connection.
A possible fanfiction could involve the Asset from 'Shape of Water' being discovered by Hellboy. Hellboy, with his sense of justice, might decide to protect the Asset from the government forces that are after it in the 'Shape of Water' world. Their interaction could be really interesting as Hellboy is used to dealing with all kinds of strange creatures, and the Asset is a very unique being.
Well, it depends on what you prefer. The graphic novel has its own charm. It can use the art style to enhance the mood, much like the movie used visuals. But the movie might have more of an impact in terms of motion and sound. However, the graphic novel can allow for a more in - depth exploration of the characters' inner thoughts through text and illustration combinations.