New Exhibition Explores Lost And Censured Murals Of Los Angeles That Exposed Unequal Treatment Of Mexicans And Mexican Americans

"¡Murales Rebeldes! L.A. Chicano/a Murals under Siege" - poster (PRNewsfoto/California Historical Society)

Murals became an essential form of artist response and public voice during the Chicana/o Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. They were a means of challenging the status quo and expressing both pride and frustration at a time when other channels of communication were limited for the Mexican American community. Because they threatened established authority, Chicana/o murals were often censored, neglected, whitewashed, or destroyed. 

The California Historical Society presents its latest exhibition and companion publication, "¡Murales Rebeldes! L.A. Chicano/a Murals under Siege", which provides an important historical backdrop to issues of social justice that sparked outrage in California more than a half century ago and continue today and provides insight to similar injustice that plague today's socio-political environment.

"The historical context related to the issues of social justice that these murals so passionately portrayed decades ago are unfortunately painfully relevant today," said California Historical Society Executive Director Anthea Hartig.  "We are honored to bring this exhibition to San Francisco, particularly given the shared rich tradition of Chicano murals. We hope our visitors will gain insight on how these works of public art are relevant today and inspire hope and progress for future generations."

Through photographs, sketches, documents, film footage, and even rescued fragments, ¡Murales Rebeldes! tells the stories of eight murals -- by Barbara Carrasco, Yreina D. Cervántez and Alma López, Roberto Chavez, Ernesto de la Loza, Willie F. Herrón III, Sergio O'Cadiz Moctezuma, and East Los Streetscapers (David Botello, Wayne Alaniz Healy, and George Yepes) -- that were censored, neglected, whitewashed, and even destroyed. They are a small fraction of the hundreds of murals under siege. Their fates represent a larger issue: Without protection and advocacy, Chicana/o murals -- a cornerstone of California's cultural and historical heritage -- remain imperiled.

The exhibition examines these powerful murals that asserted Chicana/o history and identity in public spaces, challenged dominant norms, and provoked attempts to silence their poignant critiques. Examples include David Botello, Wayne Healy, and George Yepes of East Los Streetscapers, whose mural Filling up on Ancient Energies was destroyed without providing any notification to the artists. The lawsuit they won in favor of their mural has left a legal legacy for the protection of murals in Californiatoday. Barbara Carrasco's L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective was censored for depictions of Los Angeles's "controversial" histories even before it was painted.  

Today, after its 40 panels languished in storage for decades, Carrasco's mural is being featured in Los Angeles, in large part from the work initiated by this exhibition.  Murals by Ernesto de la Loza, Roberto Chavez, Yreina Cervántez and Alma López, Willie Herrón, and Sergio O'Cadiz, suffered similar outcomes—each a story of threats and loss that reveals the artists' resistance and resilience.

"Murals have played an important role in documenting the history, politics, fears, as well as the dreams and aspirations of historically marginalized populations," said Carrasco. "I am honored to be part of this important exhibition and to share my personal story along with the stories of my fellow muralists, particularly during today's turbulent times." 

¡Murales Rebeldes! was organized by the California Historical Society and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes and made possible through lead grants from the Getty Foundation. Major funding is provided by the Annenberg Foundation and the Ratkovich Company.  The exhibition originated as part of the Getty initiative Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA.  The presenting sponsor was Bank of America. 

The exhibition, which just completed a six-month showing at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Los Angeles, is curated by California Historical Society Director of Exhibitions Jessica Hough, in collaboration with LA Plaza Senior Curator Erin M. Curtis and Ohio State University associate professor Guisela Latorre.

"Telling these stories sheds light on censorship, the arts and how society as a whole responds to issues of free speech and social injustice," said Hough. "Through the showcasing of these works, the educational programming and lectures, we hope to provide historical context that is relevant in today's socio-political landscape."

¡Murales Rebeldes! will be on view at the galleries of the California Historical Society, located at 678 Mission Street in San Francisco, from April 7 to September 16, 2018.  The companion publication can be purchased online through the California Historical Society website or at its gallery bookstore and gift shop.  

Throughout the course of the exhibition, the California Historical Society will conduct a series of special programming, free public events and educational initiatives, including talks with artists, mural-making workshops, discussions about social justice issues, and visits with San Francisco artists and muralists.  

⏩ A free community celebration will take place on Saturday, April 14th from 11 am – 5 pm.

SOURCE: California Historical Society

Related Video:

RiffTrax Makes Sci-Fi Sushi Out of 'Space Mutiny' in Movie Theaters Nationwide For Two Nights This June

RiffTrax Live: Space Mutiny

RiffTrax is set to kick off a sidesplitting summer in cinemas nationwide with 1988's "Space Mutiny." The film was panned by Eccentric Cinema as "quite possibly the worst science fiction/space adventure film made in English," which makes it ripe for the hilarious mocking of RiffTrax's Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett (of Mystery Science Theater 3000 fame). In addition to the full feature, event attendees will be treated to one of RiffTrax's beloved shorts.

Tickets for "RiffTrax Live: Space Mutiny" can be purchased at FathomEvents.com or participating theater box offices.

Presented in more than 700 select cinemas by RiffTrax and Fathom Events, "RiffTrax Live: Space Mutiny" screens live on Thursday, June 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. PT with an encore presentation on Tuesday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. local time, through Fathom's Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

One of the funniest films featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in the Emmy Award nominated show's 11-year run, "Space Mutiny" is a hilariously bad sci-fi epic that's guaranteed to have you in stitches. Combine a wardrobe of spandex and tinfoil; a set boasting AstroTurf and spray-painted floor buffers; and special effects that, well, aren't so special, and you've got one of the most hysterical cheeseball movies to ever come out of the '80s. Grab your friends and have a riot with this underground cult hit. 

"Since 2009, RiffTrax has been creating hilarious and fun experiences for fans in movie theaters nationwide," said Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt. "With 'Space Mutiny,' we know that Mike, Kevin and Bill will bring two nights of laughs to kick off the summer cinema season."

"We're excited to revisit 'Space Mutiny' because not only was it a favorite of the MST3K audience, it was a favorite of the writers," Michael J. Nelson of RiffTrax said. "And spending screen time with Reb Brown again will be like seeing an old friend. An old friend who wears shiny silver pants."

"RiffTrax Live: Space Mutiny" is the 27tth original title event broadcast to movie theaters since Fathom Events and RiffTrax began their partnership in 2009.

SOURCE: Fathom Events

London's O2 Chosen for World Premiere of the Heart of Hollywood Tour

The Heart of Hollywood World Tour is coming to London...

London is set to welcome a major piece of Hollywood history this summer, giving film fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to soak up the glamour of the 'Golden Age' of movies.

The Heart of Hollywood World Tour premieres at The O2 in June where it will spend four weeks before visiting 60 cities over the next five years.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is the 'H' from the original Hollywood sign, which stands at the height of four double decker buses. There will also be an important collection of Hollywood memorabilia, including pieces that were owned by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, alongside costumes and other props from films, such as Gone with the Wind, Hello Dolly and The Wizard of Oz.

The man behind the tour is revered American artist Bill Mack who bought the original Hollywood sign in 2007. He painstakingly restored the 'H' and used the other panels as canvases for paintings of icons of the age, which will also be on display at the exhibition.

Bill Mack said: "We are really looking forward to launching the show in London. London is a fantastic first stop for us and we are excited to share this piece of history with those keen to soak up a little glamour of that unforgettable Golden Age.

The Hollywood sign is among the most famous structures in the world. This is a unique opportunity to see it, alongside the most iconic artefacts from the timeless movies we all hold close to our hearts."

Much of the memorabilia on display belongs to Mack, an avid Hollywood fan, with the rest being on loan from the likes of the Hollywood Museum.

This year marks the 40th anniversary since the original sign was replaced, with the tour culminating in 2023 and returning to a permanent home in Los Angeles, exactly 100 years since it first stood tall on the Hollywood Hills.

The event's partners include the Los Angeles Tourist Board and The Savoy. It is partnering up with the 'No Predators' campaign launched by London-based Boudica films in the wake of the #MeToo movement to support access to legal advice, advocate for equality in the industry, as well as mentor and provide employment opportunities for women in film. 

⏩ Tickets on sale from theo2.co.uk 21st June - 17th July.

SOURCE: The Heart of Hollywood World Tour

The Videos:

Wild Animal Sanctuary Adds 9,004 Acres To Its Colorado Operation

The Wild Animal Sanctuary (images via The Wild Animal Sanctuary's site)

The Wild Animal Sanctuary has completed the purchase of a 9,004-acre ranch located in southeastern Colorado near the agricultural community of Springfield.

With more than 460 lions, tigers, bears, wolves and other rescued animals currently residing at the non-profit organization's facility near Keenesburg, Colorado, the need for additional space drove the organization to seek additional land to continue fulfilling its mission.  

Working with law enforcement agencies and other animal welfare groups within the United States and around the world, the organization had reached capacity at its 789-acre Sanctuary located just thirty miles northeast of Denver, CO.

Already considered the largest carnivore sanctuary in the world, the organization chose to purchase the large contiguous parcel near Springfield due to its size and abundant natural amenities. Consisting primarily of hills, canyons and rocky bluffs blanketed in various species of pine trees, as well as valleys and pastures flowing with native grasses, Sanctuary management says the property is well suited for hosting wildlife.

The additional land will allow The Wild Animal Sanctuary to continue rescuing and rehabilitating captive wildlife for many years to come. The organization says it has no plans to close its Keenesburg facility, since it continues to educate more than 150,000 visitors annually. The site also features a unique 1.5-mile long elevated walkway that holds the Guinness World Records award for Longest Footbridge.

According to The Humane Society of The United States (1), tigers, lions, and other big cat species have exploded in popularity in the exotic pet trade. There are an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 tigers in the United States, but fewer than 400 of them are in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Foreign Policy Group (2), and World Wildlife Fund (3), also recognize the Captive Wildlife problems within the United States that lead to so many tigers and other exotic animals needing sanctuary.

Last year marked the 38th year of rescuing exotic and endangered animals for the wildlife sanctuary. The 789-acre facility outside of Denver, Colorado had functioned as the primary facility for the organization, but now the larger and more natural tract near Springfield will become the main receiving facility for new rescues. 

The Sanctuary specializes in rehabilitating captive wildlife and releasing them to live and roam freely within large natural habitats. 

⏩ To learn more about The Wild Animal Sanctuary, visit wildanimalsanctuary.org

A lion  (image via The Wild Animal Sanctuary's site

Footnotes:

(1) humanesociety.org/issues/exotic_pets/facts/dangerous-exotic-pets-big-cats.html
(2) foreignpolicy.com/2016/04/11/there-are-more-domestic-tigers-in-the-u-s-than-wild-ones-in-the-jungle/
(3) worldwildlife.org/stories/more-tigers-in-american-backyards-than-in-the-wild

SOURCE: The Wild Animal Sanctuary (Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center)

The Video:

Center for Puppetry Arts Will Honor Caroll Spinney, Beloved Puppeteer of Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, At This Year's Benefit Stage Show and Dinner

The Jim Henson Company will host the Center for Puppetry Arts' fundraiser Puppets for Puppetry, a night of special and surprise performances celebrating all kinds of puppetry honoring Caroll Spinney.

The Center for Puppetry Arts proudly presents its second Puppets for Puppetry fundraising event on Saturday, May 5, 2018.  The dinner and show will be hosted by The Jim Henson Company on its historic Hollywood lot and presented with support from Sesame Workshop. 

Caroll Spinney

This year's event honors the beloved puppeteer Caroll Spinney, best known to fans around the world as the performer of the iconic Sesame Street characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. The evening will be hosted again by Broadway's John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek) with additional special guests (human, feathered, and furry) to be announced soon.

The mission of the Center for Puppetry Arts is to inspire imagination, education, and community through the global art of puppetry. This Atlanta-based nonprofit is the nation's only resource of its kind, featuring an international puppetry collection, a vibrant theatre space, and workshops and performances that develop puppetry talent; it also houses more than 500 puppets and props donated by the family of Jim Henson and The Jim Henson Company in its permanent exhibit, The Jim Henson Collection. 

The Center's educational programs serve schools nationwide, complementing national curriculum standards in language arts, social studies, science, math, and other areas. In the Center's most recently-completed fiscal year, visitors came from all 50 states. The Center's Distance Learning program has also reached all 50 states and nine countries with live and interactive workshops and performances, delivered through videoconferencing.

"The Center for Puppetry Arts is grateful for the support of The Jim Henson Company and Sesame Workshop through the Puppets for Puppetry fundraiser. I'm thrilled that this year's honoree is Caroll Spinney, a dear friend both to me and the Center," said Vincent Anthony, The Barbara and Bill Wylly Executive Director at the Center for Puppetry Arts. "It is a privilege for us to honor such a talented puppeteer.  Caroll's exceptional legacy and the creative team behind this show are sure to make for a spectacular evening!"

Individual tickets start at $250, with tables and sponsorship packages beginning at $7,500.  Special pricing is available for members of the Center for Puppetry Arts and Puppeteers of America.

⏩ For additional information please visit: puppetsforpuppetry.com.

About the Center for Puppetry Arts 
The Center for Puppetry Arts is supported in part by: Fulton County Arts Council • City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs • Georgia Council for the Arts • The Jim Henson Company. 

⏩ For a complete list of the Center's major supporters, visit puppet.org/about/sponsors.

Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique cultural treasure – a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened, and entertained. 

Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops, and the hands-on Museum as well as Distance Learning and Outreach programs. 

Center for Puppetry Arts is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and is supported in part by contributions from corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals. 

The Center is a member of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA/USA/ASSITEJ) and also serves as headquarters of UNIMA-USA, the American branch of Union Internationale de la Marionnette, the international puppetry organization.

SOURCE: The Jim Henson Company

Caroll Spinney Related Videos:

US: 'The Karate Kid' Returns to the Big Screen With a Sneak Preview of YouTube Red's Original Series Reboot 'Cobra Kai,' in Cinemas Nationwide April 25 Only

Cobra Kai: Premiere Feat. The Karate Kid

Moviegoers across the country will be practicing their "wax on, wax off" skills when Fathom Events and YouTube revive the beloved "Karate Kid" saga with an exclusive, one-night cinema experience featuring the original 1984 classic, "The Karate Kid," coupled with an exclusive advance screening of the first two episodes from the new YouTube Red Original Series, "Cobra Kai," based on the Karate Kid franchise.

⏩ Tickets for "Cobra Kai: Premiere Feat. The Karate Kid" can be purchased beginning Friday, March 23, at FathomEvents.com or participating theater box offices.

This special event screens in cinemas nationwide for one night on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.local time. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in nearly 700 select movie theaters. A complete list of theater locations is available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Cobra Kai - Daniel and Johnny Face Off at Dojo

Originally hitting theaters in 1984, "The Karate Kid" received critical acclaim as a heart-stopping yet endearing underdog story following the friendship of high schooler Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and his apartment maintenance man turned martial arts trainer Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), as Daniel prepares to take on arch-rival Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) in the All Valley Karate Tournament. Through Miyagi's teaching, Daniel learns important life lessons, overcomes adversity and ultimately faces his opponent in an epic match. An instant commercial success, the film spawned a franchise of memorabilia, three sequels, a television series, and a 2010 remake featuring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.

In the highly-anticipated return of two iconic characters, the arch-rivals from the legendary "Karate Kid" film reunite in "Cobra Kai." Now living in the affluent hills of Encino, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) leads an enviable life with his beautiful family, while running a successful string of car dealerships throughout the valley. Meanwhile, his high school adversary, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), whose life has taken a rocky turn, seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo. Their lives inevitably become intertwined and the rivalry is reignited, setting forth the next generation of "karate kids" in "Cobra Kai," a YouTube Red Original Series. "Cobra Kai" is produced by Overbrook Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Television.

The YouTube Red Original series "Cobra Kai" will have its world debut at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 24 and will later launch to audiences around the world May 2 on YouTube Red.

The Karate Kid - Daniel and Mr. Miyagi

"'The Karate Kid' became an instant classic in the 1980s and continues to resonate with generations of film lovers across the country," said Fathom Events VP of Programming Tom Lucas. "We're excited to partner with YouTube Red to give audiences an exclusive look into the reignited rivalry in 'Cobra Kai,' along with the original film and a cast panel discussion -- all on the big screen."

"A beloved American classic, 'The Karate Kid' film continues to be one of the most searched entertainment properties on YouTube," said Susanne Daniels Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. "We're thrilled to recreate the world inside the dojo in this exciting new YouTube Red Original Series, featuring iconic cast members from the original film."

SOURCE: Fathom Events

The Trailer:

Disney Music Group Set To Release First 6 Remastered Star Wars Original Motion Picture Soundtracks On May 4

Star Wars Catalog artwork (PRNewsfoto/Walt Disney Records)

Since the release of the first Star Wars movie 40 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its mythic storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by John Williams.

On May 4th, Walt Disney Records is set to release the original motion picture soundtracks for the first six Star Wars films: A New Hope (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983), The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005). With scores composed and conducted by Academy Award®-winning composer John Williams, each album has been remastered, features new artwork and a collectible mini-poster. 

The soundtracks were reconstructed from new hi-resolution (24/192) transfers supervised by Shawn Murphy and Skywalker Sound. In addition to physical, each soundtrack is also available digitally.

   John Williams (image via NME)

John Williams is well known for scoring all eight of the Star Wars saga films to date, beginning with 1977's Star Wars: A New Hope for which he earned an Academy Award® for Best Original Score. His score for Star Wars: The Force Awakens was nominated for an Oscar® and most recently, Star Wars: The Last Jedi received an Oscar nomination.

Williams has won five Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, seven British Academy Film Awards, five Emmy Awards and 23 Grammy Awards. With 51 Academy Award nominations, Williams is the Academy's most nominated living person and the second most-nominated individual in history, after Walt Disney. In 2005, the American Film Institute selected Williams' score to 1977's Star Wars as the greatest American film score of all time. 

The soundtrack to Star Wars also was preserved by the Library of Congress in the National Recording Registry, for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." Williams was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl's Hall of Fame in 2000, and he received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2004, the National Medal of Arts in 2009, and the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2016. 

Mark Hamill, John Williams & Harrison Ford at the 2017 Star Wars Celebration in Orlando.

Williams has composed the scores for eight of the top 20 highest-grossing films at the U.S. box office (adjusted for inflation).

Pre-orders are available at:

• A New Hope: disneymusic.co/ANewHopeCD
• Empire Strikes Back:disneymusic.co/EmpireStrikesBackCD
• Return of the Jedi: disneymusic.co/ReturnoftheJediCD
• Phantom Menace: disneymusic.co/PhantomMenaceCD
• Attack of the Clones: disneymusic.co/AttackoftheClonesCD
• Revenge of the Sith: disneymusic.co/RevengeoftheSithCD

⏩ The Star Wars: A New Hope 40th Anniversary 3-LP Collector's Edition hologram vinyl is available at Disney Music Emporium,

SOURCE: Walt Disney Records

The Shape Of Water: An Allegorical Critique Of Trump

The Shape of Water offers a clever allegory to Donald’s Trump’s presidency, with Michael Shannon’s character (on the left) representing some of the president’s worst qualities. (Kerry Hayes/Fox Searchlight Pictures)

By John Richardson, University of Ottawa

Resistance to Donald Trump’s presidency has taken many forms, including legal challenges, resignations, media criticism, women’s marches, political rebukes and endless rounds of late night mockery. The Best Picture winner at the 90th Academy Awards provides another, less obvious example of resistance. The top film was The Shape of Water, an allegorical love story between a mute woman and a green sea monster.

I am a high school English teacher and an adjunct professor in the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Education with a background in live theatre, critical pedagogy and youth culture. I teach Bachelor of Education students who may one day teach high school English classes.
Part of my course covers the importance of critical literacy, which I believe we can teach by asking teenagers to view film as more than just entertainment but as a vital source of insight on contemporary culture, issues and society.

Many of my classroom discussions focus on the ways in which this year’s top movies, not just Oscar nominees, offer clever responses to the racist, sexist and xenophobic policies and rhetoric that have accompanied Trump’s rise to the top.

Lady Bird argues that the lives of young women are worthy of exploration. Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri offers a flamethrower portrayal of the corruption, racial conflict and violence at the heart of the American dream. Black Panther triumphantly demonstrates that Black actors and filmmakers can produce a Hollywood blockbuster and that African-American culture can yield an exciting, mythological story appealing to all audiences.

But it is The Shape of Water that offers the most detailed, poetic critique of Trump and the hollow promises of his “Make America Great Again” philosophy.

Lives of quiet oppression 

Set in 1962 Baltimore, director Guillermo Del Toro’s film tells the story of Elisa, a young mute woman who works as a cleaner at a mysterious government facility that is home to a recently captured “Amphibian Man.” Zelda is her African-American co-worker and Giles, a gay graphic designer whose work and identity are “ahead of his time,” is her roommate.

These are the Americans who live lives of quiet oppression in the past-tense America that shimmers, mythical and revered, at the heart of the Trump campaign promise. The film both upholds and undermines the old mythologies that can provide comfort and reassurance to people whose lives have been disrupted by global trade, population movements and the emergence of AI in the workplace.

‘The Shape of Water’ features the lives of Americans facing everyday oppressions. (Kerry Hayes/Fox Searchlight Pictures)

The Cold War is in full swing in the film, and the dichotomy between the United States and Russia, between “good” and “evil,” is both referenced and undermined.

Americans and Russians are in conflict, but it’s a Russian agent who acts ethically. There is a traditional Main Street dessert shop, but the affable server turns out to be a vile racist and homophobe who adopts a southern accent for marketing purposes and is actually from Ottawa.

The pies look appealing, but they are mass-produced and the store is part of a new phenomena, the franchise. The film is poised at the moment when authenticity is being lost to illusion.

A Trump proxy 

Opposing the quiet, marginalized Americans is Strickland, a shadowy government worker upon whose character the filmmakers apply hateful qualities like layers of slime. It becomes evident that Strickland is designed as a bridge to Trump’s present-day political toxicity when a smooth-talking car salesman tells him: “You are the man of the future.”

A further connection to Trump is made when Strickland announces: “The future is bright. You gotta trust in that. This is America.” Here the film has fun with its ironic presentation of the past. As audience members in 2018 watching a film set in a period of time more than half a century ago, we may question whether the future has indeed turned out to be “bright.”

Reading news stories about the Robert Mueller investigation into the Trump campaign’s alleged involvement with Russia, we may feel profoundly uneasy about the relationship between trust and leadership.

Witnessing the assault on otherness and a turn to American nativism, we may question what it now means to be American, and where a nation that was once so welcoming to immigrants has gone.

The Shape of Water is an unconventional love story between a mute woman and a sea creature. (Kerry Hayes/Fox Searchlight Pictures)

But then the film also picks up on the way in which truth in the Trump era has been attacked, questioned and undermined. “Bonanza is not violent. It’s real life. The way it was,” Strickland tells his son about the popular Western TV show of the time. A TV show is said to be “true” much in the same way that Trump draws on cable news personalities as experts fit to serve in the White House.

Like Trump, Strickland boasts about his power to sexually assault women when he harasses silent Elisa with the line: “Bet I can make you squawk a little.” He has sex with his wife in a mechanical manner that diminishes and belittles her. His casual vulgarity oozes male privilege. His repellent masculinity crowds out a woman’s agency.

Strickland calls the beautiful South American Amphibian Man an “affront” and takes pleasure in torturing him with his sizzling cattle prod.

“How did they get in?” he asks of the Russian agents who infiltrated his facility, the question echoing the current political discourse around “illegals” and “shithole countries” as well as the president’s restrictive immigration policies.

A rebuke to ignorance 

When the mute woman, the Black woman and the gay man act together to free the beautiful “undesirable” from his prison, the film suggests that the creativity and humanism of outsiders can prevail against cruelty and corruption.

Cowardly, vile and literally rotting from having lost fingers earlier in the story, Strickland dies by the same violence he promulgated. He is the real monster. Elisa and Amphibian Man fall in love and slip away to a watery paradise. Breathing underwater, she opens her eyes and looks at him. She is alive.

Not everyone can escape to the ocean’s depths to escape the Trump presidency, but we can escape to the movies. The Shape of Water reminds audiences of the humanity of those people who are marginalized and belittled. Its artistry alone is a rebuke to ignorance.

About Today's Contributor:
John Richardson, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa

This article was originally published on The Conversation. 

The Trailer: