The Shape of Water co-writer and director Guillermo del Toro has some theories on why classic monster movie characters aren?t working for modern audiences.
I think that there is a postmodern attitude towards the genre that tries to disarm or disassemble the genre in a postmodern way and I think that when you approach characters with earnest love, it?s a lot less safe because you?re not above the material. You are high on your own supply and it?s easier to be ironic, so I think that?s part of it.