Lockdown Inspires Jaws Bathroom Makeover
For many of us growing up, making a visit to the bathroom post watching Jaws – or even worse during an ad break before you even knew how it all ended - was a terrible prospect.
And we don’t just mean because it was avocado green, we mean the fear of shark attack. If the shark didn’t get you in the bath then he’d surely nip you on the (Hiroshima) bum as you sat on the loo.
David Henson, from Durham in the North East of England, hasn’t just been using his time whilst on lockdown to watch the Jaws films. He’s used those screenings as a creative springboard to bring his beloved film to his bathroom. The Daily Jaws caught up with him over email between coats of paint.
The Daily Jaws: What made you want to do a Jaws themed bathroom?
David: I needed something to occupy my time during the lockdown as my work had dried up for obvious reasons. I started rewatching the Jaws movies and thought I needed to do something creative. I’m a qualified film editor and published writer so just sitting around being a house husband was making me go loopy. So, I thought the bathroom was due for a creative redesign and Jaws was definitely at the forefront of my mind, so why not. Bathroom and water etc. An ideal setting.
The Daily Jaws: What Jaws elements are there in the bathroom?
David: The elements are of course the main iconic image of the shark, although I didn’t do the naked swimmer at the request of my partner. But I did include a shelf that is meant to be the rear beam of Quint’s boat the Orca, and the red tiles are to signify the blood of the victims without showing actual blood. I’ve also got the colours of the sea going from dark blue to light to represent the depth to the surface. I plan to add the yellow barrels and Quint’s boat when I can get more paint.
The Daily Jaws: Do you have a favourite part?
David: The shark itself is my favourite for obvious reasons and I’m proud I got it so close to the original. The shading of the shark and the sea. Because any mistakes can be erased easily. You have to sometimes wait for the paint to dry and then paint over it and start again
The Daily Jaws: Did it all go to plan?
David: Yes and no. As the bathroom is in daily use by the family sometimes things got leaned against before fully dried so had to be redone. My first attempt at Quint’s boat was a mess as it was too big and I was not happy, so erased it. I’m yet to redo it so it’s not complete yet. Due to the lockdown the shop I got the specific paints for the project have run out, so I have to wait till they restock.
The Daily Jaws: I’m sure Brody would have approved of the bigger boat. What reaction has the project received?
David: The reaction has been overwhelming and much love has been given to the painting, which has been lovely. Did have one person be negative in a nasty way but other fans pounced on him verbally and shut him up instantly. To have that defence from people you don’t know is amazing.
The Daily Jaws: Any other bits to add like Jaws towels?
David: Actually, Jaws towels, I love that idea, thanks.
The Daily Jaws: You’re welcome. When you were little were you ever afraid of using the bath or toilet in case a shark came up?
David: I never had a fear of Jaws swimming in the bath or popping out of the toilet. But I remember seeing Jaws 2 when I was a kid and had a recurring nightmare about Jaws swimming past my bedroom window watching me, lol.
The Daily Jaws: When did you first see Jaws?
David: I actually saw Jaws 2 first one Christmas on VHS when I was 9 or 10 I think, but then saw the original a few months later after plucking up the courage to do so.
The Daily Jaws: Who is your favourite character and why?
David: Chief Brody is my favourite character if I had to pick. But all three of the main characters are iconic
The Daily Jaws: Have you a favourite moment or scene?
David: Favourite scene is the Indianapolis speech.
The Daily Jaws: What do you think is the ever growing appeal of Jaws?
David: The lasting appeal is the character arc. We can relate and these are acted out as real people in a bad situation, something we have all been in. And it’s a classic adventure and loved by old and young alike.
The Daily Jaws: Besides your new bathroom, what's your most treasured Jaws item?
David: I don’t have much in the way of memorabilia as yet but I would say my Bluray collection are my favourite and to watch the films in HD.I used to have a massive collection of Jaws related stuff but family and young kids had to come first, so I sold most of it. But I’m planning to buy more stuff after the lockdown is over and I’m back at work as doing the bathroom has rejuvenated my love of these iconic movies.
And I do mean all four. I love all of them just because they are Jaws. Yes, the original is the master and the second is the continuing saga. The third was just popcorn crap and the fourth was just crap, but I don’t care...I love them all. And if you see Jaws 3 in 3D as intended it’s not that bad.
David’s bathroom is gonna need another coat, so once he has finished adding the Orca and those yellow barrels we hope to pay his bathroom another visit, so to speak.
Questions were compiled by Dean Newman. Have you been working on a Jaws or shark-related project during lockdown? We’d love to hear from you.
