Something in the water? Why we love shark films

Shark films have been a staple of Hollywood for decades, captivating audiences with their thrilling narratives and suspenseful moments. From the iconic Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg, to the more recent Something in the Water, the fascination with these ocean predators shows no signs of waning. The genre has evolved over the years, introducing viewers to a variety of shark-related stories, including prehistoric giants in The Meg, genetically modified creatures in Deep Blue Sea, and even the absurdity of Cocaine Shark, where sharks are depicted as drug-fueled beasts. The appeal of these films is undeniable, as they combine elements of fear, excitement, and adventure, drawing in viewers from all walks of life. Even notable figures like Donald Trump have made appearances in shark-themed films, highlighting the widespread popularity of this genre. My own journey into the world of shark films began with the James Bond classic Thunderball, where a villain kept sharks in his swimming pool. This sparked a lifelong interest in shark movies, but it also instilled a peculiar fear of swimming pools, even those filled with chlorine at local leisure centers. Hayley Easton Street, a British director, has recently released a new shark film titled Something in the Water. As a fan of shark movies herself, she was eager to create a film that captures the essence of the genre. Street believes that the popularity of shark films stems from the fear of the unknown that the ocean represents. She explains, 'Just being stuck in the middle of the ocean is scary enough. You're trapped in something else's world, and anything could happen. ' This sentiment is echoed by forensic psychologist Professor Susan Young, who emphasizes the power of fear in these films. She notes that watching terrifying shark movies in the comfort of our homes or in theaters allows us to confront our fears without facing real danger. This experience can lead to an emotional release, providing a safe space for viewers to explore their anxieties. Professor Young further explains that these films tap into unconscious fears and desires, offering an outlet for exploring repressed emotions and instincts, such as aggression and the fear of death. The production of shark films can be quite challenging, as seen during the making of Jaws. The mechanical sharks often malfunctioned, leading to delays in filming. However, director Steven Spielberg later reflected that these difficulties ultimately contributed to the film's success. He had to be resourceful in creating suspense without showing the shark too often, which made the movie even scarier. In Something in the Water, Street faced a similar challenge due to a limited budget. To overcome this, the team devised a clever solution by creating a fake tiger shark fin. They enlisted a talented diver named Baptiste, who could hold his breath for extended periods. By strapping the fin to him and providing him with an underwater scooter, the actors were able to react to a real fin, enhancing the authenticity of their performances. Despite her love for shark films, Street is conscious of the negative portrayal of sharks as ruthless killers. She highlights the alarming statistic that 100 million sharks are killed each year, largely due to their depiction in movies. Street is determined to change this narrative, stating, 'As much as I love shark films, I love sharks. I was really conscious of that, because it's easy for people to start seeing them as killing machines. or monsters, which they are not. ' She believes that a more realistic approach to sharks is necessary, acknowledging that while they can be dangerous, they are not inherently evil. Spielberg himself has expressed regret over the impact of Jaws on shark populations, recognizing that the film contributed to a rise in shark hunting. The portrayal of sharks in Hollywood has raised concerns among conservationists, including marine biologist Andriana Fragola. She dedicates her efforts to educating the public about sharks, often sharing videos of her diving experiences with them. Fragola argues that sharks are misunderstood predators that have suffered due to their representation in films and the media. After watching Netflix's Under Paris, she was disappointed with its portrayal of sharks, stating, 'Their whole thing was it's about conservation, about studying them, but then the sharks are still eating people. ' She believes that while the film attempted to provide a more rounded education, it ultimately reinforced the idea that sharks are dangerous to humans. Fragola emphasizes that if sharks were truly the relentless hunters depicted in movies, humanity would be in grave danger every time we entered the ocean. The director of Under Paris, Xavier Gens, also identifies as an environmentalist. While Jaws focused on the threat posed by sharks, Gens aimed to highlight the dangers of human greed in his film. Fragola points out that the perception of sharks as threats poses a significant challenge for conservation efforts. She explains, 'It's a huge problem because people don't want to protect something that they're scared of. ' The misconception that sharks are dangerous to humans leads to a desire to eradicate them, which is detrimental to conservation efforts. Tragically, 100 million sharks are killed each year, while globally, sharks are responsible for fewer than ten human fatalities annually. The narrative that portrays sharks as monsters seeking to harm us is misleading; in reality, they are more often the victims of human actions. As we continue to enjoy shark films, it is crucial to remember that these creatures are not the true villains. They are remarkable animals that play a vital role in maintaining the health of our oceans and deserve our respect and protection.