Monsters of Horror 17: The Shark
The ocean is a vast and mysterious place, and its depths have long been a source of fear and fascination for humanity. This fear has been captured and magnified in the world of horror cinema, where sharks often play the role of the ultimate predator, lurking beneath the waves and striking terror into the hearts of moviegoers.
Sharks have been a focus of horror films for decades, with their portrayal evolving over time. The genre arguably reached its zenith with Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic “Jaws,” a film that not only revolutionised the way movies are made and marketed but also instilled a deep-seated fear of sharks in generations of viewers. The story of a great white shark terrorising a small beach community became an instant classic and spawned numerous sequels and imitators.
The success of “Jaws” led to a wave of shark-themed horror movies, each trying to capture the same magic and fear. Films like “Mako: The Jaws of Death” (1976) and “The Last Shark” (1981) offered their own takes on the shark horror formula, with varying degrees of success. Some of these films, such as “Jaws 3-D” (1983) and “Jaws: The Revenge” (1987), attempted to add new dimensions to the fear of sharks, sometimes quite literally with the use of 3D technology.
The fascination with shark horror films is not just about the fear of being eaten alive; it’s also about the fear of the unknown. Sharks represent an ancient and primal force, one that is indifferent to human concerns and operates on pure instinct. This makes them perfect horror antagonists, as they embody a threat that is both real and incomprehensible.
Modern shark horror films continue to explore these themes, often adding new twists to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. “The Reef” (2010), for example, pits a group of survivors against a great white shark after their sailboat capsizes on the Great Barrier Reef. The film’s use of tension and realism adds a new layer of horror to the shark genre.
The most recent shark movie to date is the French 2024 Netflix offering, “Under Paris” (French title, “Sous la Seine”). The movie sees the French Capital hosting the World Triathlon Championships on the River Seine. A top scientist, Sophia, discovers a large shark is swimming in the very river in which the triathletes will be swimming. To avoid disaster, the plucky scientist has to join forces with a young environmental activist and the Seine river police commander. The movie is gathering mixed reviews from critics at these early stages and from the public but is certainly worth a watch for you fans of shark movies.
The enduring popularity of shark horror films speaks to our collective fascination with these creatures and the deep blue sea. They tap into our primal fears and remind us of our vulnerability in the face of nature’s raw power. As long as the ocean remains a mysterious and terrifying place, sharks will continue to have a home on the silver screen, thrilling and scaring us in equal measure.
For those who are intrigued by the blend of sharks and horror, there is a wealth of films to explore, each offering its own unique take on this enduring sub-genre. Whether it’s the suspenseful hunt in “Jaws” or the survival horror of “The Reef,” these films are sure to provide a thrilling experience for any horror aficionado.
The truth about the ‘evil’ shark…
It must be stated clearly at this point, Sharks are often misunderstood as fearsome predators but are in fact a diverse group of species with a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. Contrary to popular belief, not all sharks are large with sharp teeth; they range from the small deepwater dogfish to the gentle giant, the whale shark.
Shark attacks are relatively rare events, with the International Shark Attack File reporting 69 unprovoked shark bites on humans worldwide in 2023. The majority of these incidents are attributed to three species known for their size and powerful bite: the great white shark, tiger shark, and bull shark, which are often cited as the most dangerous to humans. Most sharks do not pose a threat to humans; incidents involving sharks are often cases of mistaken identity, not predatory attacks.
Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years, adapting to various ecological niches and contributing to the ocean’s health by maintaining the balance of marine life. Their sensory systems are highly developed, allowing them to be excellent hunters of their natural prey, not humans.
Unfortunately, sharks face significant threats from human activities such as overfishing which includes the unnecessary and grossly wasteful shark fin trade. Such actions have led to a decline in many shark populations. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these vital creatures and ensure the sustainability of our oceans.
It’s worth noting that Peter Benchley, the author of ‘Jaws’, expressed regret over the negative impact his novel and the subsequent film adaptation had on the public’s perception of sharks. The thriller about a monstrous great white shark terrorising a small community led to widespread fear and misunderstanding of these magnificent marine creatures. Benchley, who became an advocate for marine conservation, spent much of his later life working to protect sharks and educate people about their importance in the ocean ecosystem. His efforts highlight the profound influence media can have on conservation issues and public opinion.
Education and awareness can help dispel myths and foster a more balanced understanding of sharks, promoting their conservation for future generations.
So, the next time you dip your toes into the ocean, remember the cinematic legacy of these fearsome predators. And if you’re looking for a spine-tingling watch, consider diving into the deep end with one of the many shark horror films that have captivated audiences for years. Just remember, it’s only a movie… or is it?
© Colin Lawson Books