Is the shark from JAWS a classic 'movie monster'?
The shark from "Jaws unquestionably qualifies as a classic movie monster, albeit with a twist that sets it apart from its more fantastical counterparts. Unlike traditional movie monsters, such as Dracula or Frankenstein's monster, the shark in "Jaws" is based on a real creature—the great white shark—amplified to monstrous proportions through cinematic techniques and narrative context. This approach not only grounded the terror in a semblance of reality but also revolutionized the horror genre and established new benchmarks for what constitutes a classic movie monster.
At the heart of the shark's effectiveness as a movie monster is its invisibility for much of the film. Spielberg masterfully manipulates the audience’s fear of the unknown, utilizing John Williams’ iconic, suspense-building score to evoke terror even when the shark is not on screen. This technique creates a pervasive sense of dread that is quintessential to classic monster movies. The audience’s imagination, fueled by the suspenseful music and the reactions of the characters, conjures an image of the shark far more terrifying than any visual representation could achieve.
Classic movie monsters team up in ‘The Monster Squad’
Moreover, the shark's monstrous status is solidified by its symbolic nature. It represents an unstoppable force of nature, an indifferent predator that disrupts the idyllic summer setting of Amity Island. This juxtaposition of terror against a backdrop of normalcy is a hallmark of classic monster movies, where the intrusion of the monstrous into the everyday world heightens the horror. The shark’s attacks are random and ruthless, embodying primal fears of the unknown and uncontrollable forces that lie beneath the surface of our perceived safe environments.
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We discuss JAWS’ place amongst the classic movie monsters with ‘Movie Monsters of the Deep’ author Faith Roswell.
Movie Monsters of the Deep
Is there a shark movie that is scarier than Jaws? What is the sneaky secret hidden in the Loch Ness monster’s name? How did the Gill-man in Creature from the Black Lagoon become a romantic hero? Do mermaids count as sea monsters? What terrifying sea creature was discovered to really exist, and just what on earth is a globster?
If you ever wanted to know your crocodile from your Cthulhu and find out how they make the monsters come alive, whether you like your monsters in the ocean or in lakes, based on real animals or totally made up, with fins or tentacles, one head or five, if you love your movie monsters of the deep then this book was written for you.
‘Movie Monsters of the Deep’ by Faith Roswell is available to buy on Amazon and at Pen and Sword.
Faith Roswell was interviewed by Ross Williams
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