What is The Shape of Water About?

[@howtodrink]

This is great stuff and I wish to hell I could see the bits and pieces you do, make these connections, and pull this apart like this. I didn't catch "the future" thing at all when I watched this.

[@JohnCavalcante.Oficial]

WAIT, WHAT? Crossover episode, NOW

[@Freezaen]

This is the crossover I need. Toss in Jackson Crawford and / or Matthew Mercer and the nerd world ends. 😂

[@cxfxcdude]

I am actually so glad that i found HTD and am even more floored that you enjoy Colville vids. Anyways enough of this gay banter! Great work Matt, looking forward to more. And Greg ill be seeing you in your next vids too.

[@targon749]

Oh man, two of my favorite channels all in one place.

[@gakulon]

Haha, only yesterday I saw that you were subbed to Matt's channel on your channel page!

[@targon749]

I noticed in your streams recently that you get a LOT of negative feedback in these non-DND videos, so I wanted to leave a positive comment (whereas I would normally just lurk). Dude, I love your movie reviews! I find your insights super interesting. Also, Jerry did a great job of selecting these clips.

[@Chadok89]

It is about DND. I'm a game master, and this kind of video help me create deeper stories.

[@targon749]

@@Chadok89 While I do DM and that's what brought me to Matt's channel, I stay for the lessons in story more so than those in the actual playing of DND. Cheers!

[@DrVesuvius70]

@@Chadok89 Absolutely 100% concur with this, and believe that any GM worth their salt will know to take inspiration from a wide range of subjects. Mr Colville, being a GM worth his salt, is interested in a wide range of subjects. It's well worth our time to hear about them, as you never know when one will light a spark of an idea.

[@mcolville]

We get more negative feedback from the Campaign Diaries than we do movie videos.

[@RooonilWazlib]

Wow the campaign diary's are some of my favorite videos! It's so cool to see everything from the DM's perspective.

[@BenSchwartz00]

Watched The Shape of Water last night. One other thing I noticed along this theme-what totally undoes Strickland and causes him to throw away all “decency” to get results? It’s the general telling him that if he fails, he will be othered too. Just like Elisa, Giles, Zelda, Dmitri, and, yes, the fish-man. He doesn’t love his family, he loves the idea that his family is the model of American success. He doesn’t love his car, he loves that his car shows that he is the model of American success. He loves being in the in group. And the worst thing you can do to someone in the in-group is tell them they’re about to be kicked out.

[@jamesmoore2455]

I love the differentiation between what the film was “about” vs. the plot.

[@Danmarinja]

Any good writer knows the difference between text and subtext. Matt has a knack for digging even deeper than that.

[@Dorian_sapiens]

Plot vs. Theme

[@starsixseven9259]

Just make sure not to mention the plot around anime.

[@GerbillCage]

It may or may not be an actual connection, but the theater she lives under is named Orpheum. It makes sense to me this might be a reference to the greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Hell, the fishman even turns around right before it gets shot at the end, mirroring the end of the myth where Orpheus turns around before leaving the underworld and loses his beloved because of it.

[@kaisarfaust5625]

I really agree with this. It reminds me of Hadestown (broadway muscial retelling of O + E) "Its a sad song - its a sad tale Its a sad song, its a tragedy. But we sing it anyway Because here's the thing, to know how it ends and still begin to sing... As if it might work out this time"

[@badasunicorn6870]

Wow, I didn't notice or even considder. But when you mention it it makes a lot of sense!

[@Kaipyro67ALT]

An astute observation. There are actually hundreds of Orpheum theatres across the U.S. (and I imagine Europe as well) specifically because Orpheus was a mythical musician and performer who had the power to literally change the world with his music.

[@gassmanet]

A professor at my university once said that the sign of a good analysis is that it forever shifts your perception of the piece in question. Loved this video, Matt -- been saving it for a while since I hadn't watched the movie yet, very glad to have seen it now! If you ever get tired of creating, I think you would make a transformative media critic for a lot of young folks out there.

[@camerondeford7465]

Love the format of this with your commentary over the footage. Huge shout out to Jerry for the production especially!

[@AaronSteinPittsburgh]

Agreed.

[@fightingdan3407]

No, I am D Ford

[@IrishDragon666]

All hail Jerry!!!

[@thaddeusvangeist7924]

This man could upload a five hour video dissecting Megamind and I'd watch ever second.

[@Ozai75]

I love listening to Matt talk about movies with insight and clarity. It makes the movie watching experience all the richer.

[@Vespuchian]

Likewise, it's also the reason I'm not bothered about being 'spoiled' about events in movies. If I know a twist is going to happen I can better appreciate the effort put into the setup before the twist, things I might have missed completely if I hadn't been forewarned to watch out for them. This is important to me because I don't watch a lot of movies as it is, _rewatch_ movies even less, so I don't want to lessen my experience and appreciation for the often subtle clues scattered around a well made movie that I would have totally missed if I watched it blind.

[@Crazyrandomnamehere]

Matt, I know you are busy with kingdoms and warfare and running a company, as well as with a pandemic. Many other things I am sure have your time, I just wanted to thank you for taking time to make videos and make me think more deeply on subjects. You are an inspiration and I love that you are in this world.

[@capterson4]

Del Toro is probably either my favorite or in my top 3 living directors, with Tarantino being on par. Del Toro's constant theme of fantasy, escape, and totalitarianism, and how the three are in constant interplay, really just creates for some fascinating movies for me. It's a shame what they did to his Hobbit.

[@capterson4]

@@trequor Yes. Most definitely.

[@capterson4]

@@trequor Maybe. I'll admit I haven't seen enough of Taika's stuff, though I thoroughly enjoyed Jojo Rabbit and Thor Ragnarok. I'll have to look into his filmography; any recommendations?

[@WarMomPT]

This is not an upload I expected from you; I just watch the occasional instalment of Running The Game, but I absolutely had to click on this. Love the way you talk about Del Toro and seem to 'get' what he's going for; it's a wonderful film to wax lyrical about. Ending with describing it as 'a fairy tale' had me grinning and wanting to punch the air. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go watch Crimson Peak because i keep forgetting I didn't watch that one.

[@DanteShadowfall]

If you get the chance to you should really go and take a look at his Twitch Channel/Twitch Streams. He will chat about movies, games, books, all manner of things. He even had several Hail MYMNOHS(Movie you might not otherwise have seen) videos where he showed several clips from movies throughout the years and genres and broke down why they were fantastic. They were some of my favorite videos, alas they disappeared as they werent vaulted if I recall. I think 1 or 2 may have survived though!

[@foxindabush3130]

Not only excellent narrating but well-written. Not to mention a really good take on a movie that some people really *needed* to have broken down for them. Cheers

[@Skeletorslurpsspaghetti]

I’m personally not a fan of the movie but I appreciate the in depth look at it. When I saw the movie I didn’t like it and I didn’t know what I was even looking at, but at least now I know where the appeal is meant to be.

[@SpoopyGhoul]

I just discovered this while looking for one of your d&d videos and I absolutely love this content! I know it may not be as popular as your dnd content but I truly do hope you have the opportunity to make more videos like this. Super easy to follow and great connections that I wouldn't have caught otherwise!

[@nickjuchau1830]

That felt like a MYMNOS Lite edition. Thanks Matt!

[@Banderwak]

"The future has no room for fishmen, and gay artists" And I took that personally

[@AaronSteinPittsburgh]

Matt, you must constantly roll Nat 20's on your Insight checks when watching movies. You always point out an angle to the story I had not considered despite already loving and having watched that movie dozens of times. Great stuff.

[@shiny_owl9171]

You truly have the best voice for teaching people. It's very easy to follow what it is you're saying and how you connect the points. You repeat, every once in a while the important things and tie everything together beautifully. I am in a weird mood right now and this dissection made me feel really satisfied? That's a weird reaction for this video but it just hit so many points of things I wanted to hear. "The good guys win" It just feels like this story is such an example of the stories I want to see and the stories I want to tell and this video really outlined in my brain why that was/ is the case. This is a very rambly comment and where I am it's late and I am tired so if this doesn't makes any sense I will blame those facts but I just felt like shouting my opinion into the void of a KZbin comment section will help me externalise my weird feelings. Anyways, great video, loved it.

[@Wimikk]

Endlessly here for sophisticated analysis, even if I haven’t seen the source material.

[@evstuff688]

My excitement when I saw one of my favorite creators talking about one of my favorite films was immeasurable. Loved this perspective, and I think it’s something people miss when they see it without really understanding the relationships between all the outcasts. Great video, thank you!

[@SSkorkowsky]

Loved this. I really hope you do more videos like this in the future.

[@timpind.8237]

This is the sort of stuff I love from you. I’m so glad to see all the nerd sides of this channel, from the dungeons and dragons analysis, to the movies, to the novels, to the people. It’s all just so wonderful to me to hear your thoughts on it, thank you.

[@alexmanning4862]

You’re right, Jerry nailed the editing, great video Matt/mcdm

[@tormuck31]

This is why Matt is such a great DM, and a good mentor/teacher. He doesn't just understand gaming. He understands the elements of a story, his lessons are about how to create an amazing cooperative story. Movies like these set a great foundation to understands themes and tropes that we can use as DMs to create a story that everyone is awed to be a part of.

[@SoaringBricks]

Honestly, I've been laying off the D&D content lately, this is a breath of fresh air for me personally, and not something I expected to see. Thank you, and I am all in favour for more of this kind of thing. A lot of information condensed into a short video.

[@jadefae]

Every video you put out is so well considered and insightful. You have inspired me in so many ways. I even started this channel with big thanks to you.

[@finnvidr]

As someone who often struggles with the more narrative focused aspects of running D&D, these movie reviews are unbelievably valuable to me as they really help me understand story telling in new ways. Thank you for doing them!

[@omnomnomnivore2766]

I really enjoy this kind of format. Everyone uses source information to create their own narrative. Showing us how to take existing content, break it down into its core elements, and utilizing it in our own storytelling in such a relatable way is the mark of a great teacher

[@garrisonwatts5750]

This and the Black Panther videos have been two of my favorite pieces of content from your channel! So awesome!

[@luckyfire313]

As someone that really appreciates your D&D "coaching" videos, I think this might actually be one of my favorite videos that you've done. Thank you.

[@leocarioshiny]

Beautiful analysis and really thoughtful ideas I hadn't considered before. I would love to see more stuff like this!

[@613aristocrat]

I love essays examining story structure like this. We like hearing from your writer creative side, not just your DM creative side.

[@jarradtait5322]

Holy shit Jerry! You and Matt really made some magic here. This brings me back to Mymnos....

[@Sithrir]

Those scenes were honestly brilliantly put together. Great job, Jerry! And thanks for the talking, Matt. Love me some more MYMNOS.

[@IndigoWraithe]

This is fantastic. Great script bursting with insights that really peel back the layers. As much as I love the RTG videos you put out, these are equally as wonderful and exciting. Also HUGE shout out to Jerry for the editing. Phenomenal job all around.

[@JoeAuerbach]

Outstanding video. Lovely editing. Mostly I'm just here to add some positivity before the comments turn into ..... well, you know. My wife and I literally say this movie last week and I, having seen the preview of this video, tried to search fort it to no avail, but we just watched this video together and it was almost as enjoyable as watching the Shape of Water again. The bit about the bad guys needing to contextualize their relationships is really outstanding. And, in fact, one thing I noticed when I watched was that the good guys, with no context, are all quite loyal to one another. To the point of crossing spouses, politics, handlers, etc. The bad guys all turn on one another, regardless of how long they've known one another. The general makes it very clear, in fact, that someone's history of loyalty and service and success doesn't matter in any way to him. Very clear.

[@einsUNDcolt]

This is one of the reasons I subscribed to you, Matt. Your D&D videos are superb. They've helped me a lot. But these dissections of movies, like you did with Black Panther, these are spectacular!

[@BrenJeebus]

Wow the film title finally hit me. Water can be and is any shape. No matter how different the shape looks and feels, in the end it's all still made of water. We all each still have our humanity.

[@goatfather2522]

I came to your channel for DnD and I'm staying because of your razor sharp analyses and heartwarming humanism.

[@arushnakhre9600]

See this is kinda why i love this channel, it just opens my head to think more creatively and make connections like these and read between the lines

[@TheSmuey]

This is a spot-on dissection of the movie. Watched it with a friend recently, a friend who's usually on the same page as I am when it comes to movies, and the movie just didn't 'click' with him. The themes of the movie were just not clear to him. I absolutely loved the movie. There are some clear nods to Del Toro's previous work, most notably Pan's Labyrinth. Also: PLEASE do more of this stuff. I came for the D&D material, but since I LOVE movies, I really like this type of material!

[@hive_indicator318]

"tyranny described as progress" is the best phrase in this. Might be the best you've ever written.

[@nickcalleja9639]

Okay, I just want to say that I love your DMing guide videos and listening to you talk about D&D. It really helped me DMing and writing good story telling in general. But if you want to make more content like this, commentary/documentary style videos.... Go for it! I love the variety and this was really well done! Loved to hear more opinions about movies or video games sometime! Great job!

[@AggroJordan86]

So glad to see you got a bit of your KZbin juices flowing again! I started watching your channel for "running the game" but I love coming back to it for this kind of content where you just share your thoughts and thereby a piece of your soul so willingly. Thank you!

[@dougmcintyre3603]

I just wanted to say that as a film fan and DM seeing this on your channel was an unexpected joy, and I’d love to see more of this kind of stuff

[@juanin989]

Awesome video and awesome format! I love hearing you talking about films and stuff. I also think this kind of videos go nicely with the D&D ones. Narrative, drama, conflict... Learning what makes stories great is awesome and (sometimes) useful!

[@JimCullen]

This is definitely not what I originally subscribed for, but it's absolutely the kind of thing that keeps me coming back. I've not seen this movie, but it often frustrates me to no end when people fail to see what I consider obvious messaging in a piece of media.

[@fang_xianfu]

I said a long time ago that in an alternate universe somewhere there was a version of Matt Colville that ran a dope-ass movie KZbin channel. Turns out we get the best of both worlds :D I would've expected no less than a fantastic concept, script, and delivery from Matt, but this video definitely delivered! The script and delivery were both WAY better than most other channels I've seen. Massive props to Jerry too. Editors never get any credit and he crushed it. Great work :)

[@TheEpcwin]

Matt, you are great at breaking down story. The more we can understand story's we can steal them for dnd. The point I'm trying to make is that you do what you want and those who don't know that all story videos are dnd videos have much to learn. I wait for the next essay

[@meraduddcethin2812]

Thank you. I found your insightful analysis of this film to be most enlightening and entertaining. Kudos to Jerod on the editing which was top-notch. I look forward to further installments. Thanks again.

[@НиколайРебека-з4б]

Thanks a lot for videos like this! I can't get enough of your analysis) We all love TTRPG, but it's always very interesting to hear you talking about the message or meaning, behind the narrative. Hope you enjoyed writing this video)

[@GR3YD0G]

Hey Matt! Just want to say that I love watching your ability to analyze the elements of a story and the wonderful commentary you provide. Keep up the good work!

[@samleonard2557]

I love this format, I'd listen to you talk about movies/books any day of the week.

[@HorribleHumanHands1]

Heaps of great points here. I would add to it that, given Del Toro's own politics, what binds the underdog protagonists is not just the romantic ideal of love at first sight, but also the binds of solidarity. It's a beautiful fantasy where those characters who inhabit the underclass inherently understand their mutual class interests and they identify with one another for those shared interests and their shared humanity as members of the working class, rather than through race, gender, or sexual preference.

[@Flyonaweb]

Matt, keep doing what your doing? For those who want just D&D content your forgetting we can find inspiration in many places.

[@smilerat8070]

Matt, you are an exceptionally intelligent and well thoughtout individual. You have also been a favorite of mine to listen to for nearly three years. Your MCDM games are amazing and fun to watch as well as just listen to while busybodying around. Stick around, ya, at least one corner will be darker without you and your friends' content.

[@rilsinbee]

matt this video is so good id be so psyched if you keep making these, a while ago you had a series doing an in depth discussion on 2001 and those were so good too but i really loved the format of this it was so to the point and well crafted

[@TheRealNaplalt]

Great essay! I think a lot of people already said it, but the distinction between what the movie is about vs. what is happening in the actions is an important one that we don't pay enough attention. Would love to see more videos like this one!!!!

[@MorningJacket]

Please continue to do these videos. I enjoy hearing your perspective so very much! I love your D&D videos and they're what got me into your channel, however, hearing you speak about; movies, books, and art resonates with me in a way few other things do.

[@rayganrambles]

I'm actually crying this was so good. I love how you find the deeper meaning in things and then share them with us. It helps me to think more critically about the media I consume.

[@Ramblonius]

Love this instalment in the 'what is the future of our hobby?' series!

[@Thergood]

Hello Matt. Your most ardent fans, the ones who subscribe on twitch, join patreon, back your kickstarters, and watch all the videos you put out, regardless of subject matter...well, we love this stuff. So when some random viewer KZbin decided to serve this to, or some subscriber who only sticks around because they're hoping someday you'll cover their favorite edition in the One Fighter at a Time series, says they don't like it..."Stick to D&D videos." Please do your best to ignore them. I enjoy your content because it's content you enjoy making (it shows,) not because fair weather viewers have curated it for me. Keep up the good work.

[@PonyusTheWolfdude]

Man, this movie was the latest time I cried at a piece of art I think. I'm going to re-watch it soon, prefarbly with comrades at my side. Thank you for reminding me of this beauty of a film.

[@PonyusTheWolfdude]

No, I'm lying, I cried like a baby while audiobooking soldiers live. And I blame Matt Colville for pointing me in the direction of these books I now love.

[@DurdleDers]

Matt I could listen to you review movies all day. Between these and RTG, you got me hooked on your voice my dude.

[@theskeletonposse6432]

Your video essays are always well-thought-out and just flow naturally from one point to the next. It's easy to lose track of time watching these things.

[@kholliday]

I found your channel due to D&D, but your content on films is always great as well. Good stuff Matt.

[@savannaleighsings]

Yes! I love to see more film and text analysis on this channel- understanding narrative a vital part of being an excellent story teller. Your insights are great to hear! Keep it up!

[@davidestell1985]

The Shape of Water was my favorite movie in years, but Matt’s take has me thinking about it so much deeper now. A rewatch is in the very near future.

[@tomb1686]

These videos really show how well versed you are in the actual history of fiction and science fiction, and just how intelligent you are when it comes to the themes and unspoken foci of these works. They inspire me to think about so many things in a different way, which I think is really cool.

[@jameswright21]

I usually don't comment on your stuff but I'd like to this time. I didn't really enjoy the video, mostly based on not enjoying the film, but I'm still glad you made it. Not every piece of content has to be for every person, and this probably gave more than a few people have the Eureka moment about the movie. You sounded like you really enjoyed making this, and I hope you continue to make content like this.

[@hez0r]

Yes! I loved your 2001 film analysis and have always hoped you would do more of this! It really helps give a deeper appreciation of storytelling.

[@tailcheysa]

this is the kind of criticism that makes me *really* want to see the original work while having this in mind. great stuff!

[@HMSBeardsley]

One of my favorite youtubers discussing one of my favorite movies from my favorite director? Yes please!

[@Brysonlegweak]

I just adore you’re video essays! Thank you so much for talking about films who don’t get the attention they need

[@DisastrousCake]

I loved this video. Watching this video (and the previous Black Panther one) made me rethink how I view movies and what to look for not just in the context of D&D inspiration but in general. Keep it up!

[@thefollowingisatest4579]

I originally found you for D&D, and while I do still love when you talk about that, I also love your video essays like this one. Clone yourself, Matthew, cause we all want more of everything!

[@FullMotionVideos]

This was excellent! I love your D&D content, but these more video essay styled videos are more than welcome. Having made several in the past, I know they can be difficult to create, so no pressure but would love to hear more of your thoughts about media like this!

[@theprinceofnone]

Really enlightening video, honestly love seeing this kind of content out of Matt.

[@johnvercinix1411]

Love all your D&D stuff Matt. But I have to say, I get so excited when I see you release something that falls in line with one of your other passions. Your love of these books and movies is palpable and your writing feels far more creative when you can describe them. I rewatch these videos more than almost anything else on youtube. Much love and respect for you and your team.

[@beeplk7290]

I love it! Every time one of your videos goes into analyses of history or stories lile these I am all for it. Thankyou!

[@TiredTom67]

I could listen to these all day. Awesome work Matt!!

[@michaeltodd343]

One of my favorite youtubers, talking about the amazing subtext and subtlety of my favorite movie of all time?! Is it my birthday?! Thank you for this video, you have made my week.

[@futurelink1359]

Yay Matt is back. I love these videos.

[@Caleb_Plehn]

I watched Shape of Water this last week just for this. Wasn't disappointed. You keep expanding my knowledge of story, and I really enjoy it. I hope you talk more on this subject of progress in the future, as it relates to d&d. I feel like I just dipped my toes in with this video. I want to swim, Matt. I want to swim.

[@jonathanpillen5877]

Glad to see this video is back up! Great job Matt and Jerry.

[@collinmurphy9677]

The idea of needing a reason for love and friendship is explored very well in The Lobster too. Great video Matt.

[@johnekare8376]

That is a great movie!

[@theteenwiththecar]

This feels like an evolution of the MYMNOS streams and I'm 100% sold. And bravo to Jerry for his editing!

[@HarryH256]

I would be very happy with an ongoing series of What is X about? Movies fit KZbin, but I think you could do books and other media in an interesting way in this format.

[@seanvalentinus]

Great work Matt and Jerry! Video is just as good as all us Colvillians know the combined forces of your talent would produce. Can't wait for the next one!

[@theviewerofart]

The part about outcasts is why this movie spoke to me right away. Why even so much as seeing this woman happily embracing this equally silent and sensitive, alien creature made me smile. Like you said, kindred spirits often recognize each other quickly. That's why the weird and the alien appeal to me, I feel connected to it, to that which exists outside the norms. I doubt that feeling is uncommon either, especially here, in such a nerdy community, but also in general. Most of us feel like outsiders at one point or another. But I think that those who embrace their otherness will find this strange kinship with the alien more often, while it may frighten those who fear to alienate others themselves. That can create tension. Conflict even. "Us vs them."

[@MarcAlanSchelske]

Joining the chorus of affirmation. You are a keen observer and articulate commentator on all manner of art, and I appreciate you taking the time to do stuff like this. Also, D&D is fun and I’m a better DM because of you. So, both!

[@qwertyuiopaaaaaaa7]

I am very much in support of more non-D&D videos. Talking about stories is how we make better stories. We can’t have great D&D unless we discuss what is great about everything outside D&D.

[@czarspan3057]

After your most recent Running the Game, my friend and I both agreed that we NEEDED more film analysis from you as soon as possible. So glad to see this in my feed!

[@IrishDragon666]

Matt, a brief thanks for reigniting my love of movies. I became disillusioned with the industry over the last decade even though plenty of great movies are still to be had...case in point. Loved this video essay. It was as well written as the movie. Please make more!

[@AdrianFacchi]

I remember watching this movie and thinking that it was about unconditional love. And how a bunch of adorable freaks work together and overcome impossible odds. My wife was thinking that the love story was too weird. I feel very validated now! I loved this video and would love to see more like this ❤️

[@michaelrigg3623]

Ah... I love this. Thanks for a great breakdown Matt!

[@pedroscoponi4905]

I really, really like this. Watching people break down the things they like into all the bits that tickle them never gets old.

[@Drillian]

This was a delight to watch! Very well written and explained and now I'd really like to see this movie. It certainly wasn't on my radar before. It reminds me similarly of other channels like Now You See It and Lessons from the Screen Play, which I am 100% for. They've turned me on to many new (or old) movies that I never would've given a second glance. So, thanks for taking the time to make this, Matt! This was awesome.

[@sevearka]

Really good and concise analysis. Keep it up! While I love your D&D content, this stuff is just as great.