Doug Jones’s Transformation in “The Shape of Water”
Despite winning four Oscars, including Best Picture, Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water” left audiences intrigued by Doug Jones’s portrayal of the Amphibian Man and his unusual costume. Combining real and digital effects brought the fantastical elements of the film to life. Jones wore a fish-man costume along with heavy makeup and prosthetics, while they animated and enhanced the creature’s eyes in postproduction to complement Jones’s performance.
Describing the innovative technique, Trey Harell, the film’s special effects supervisor, referred to it as “digital prosthetics” or “makeup augmentation” in an interview with CNET. This approach allowed for a seamless integration of practical effects and CGI, resulting in a captivating portrayal of the Amphibian Man and contributing to the film’s overall success and critical acclaim.
