Able-bodied, Masculine, Monster?
In The Shape of Water , several characters are depicted in a way that supports Rosemarie Garland-Thomson's description of the intersectionality of feminism and disability. For example, we are introduced to the villain of the film - Strickland - fairly early on, and we quickly realize that he is the true metaphorical "monster" of the story. His treatment of women, other races, and other nationalities can only be described as brutal; it's evident that he has an extraordinary superiority complex over those he feels deviate from his own characteristics, which he perceives to be the ideal. During one scene, Strickland speaks to ("to", as opposed to "with", as "speaking with" would be a generous description of the conversation) Elisa and Zelda: Strickland : You may think that thing looks human- Stands on two legs, but we’re created in the Lord’s image. And you don’t think that’s what the Lord looks like, do you? Zelda : I wouldn't know, S...