Sharks, Those fierce killing machines, inhabitants of the oceans. Since man was a man, these mighty sharp-toothed fish have terrorized entire societies.
It is estimated that 90% of passengers traveling by plane think at some point during the journey that the plane is going to crash. Similarly, those who swim in the sea for fun eventually feel like they will end between the jaws of these "demonic" beasts.
Biologists, Environmentalists, and Others Scientists are against the image of sharks in the cinema. But what sells (and a lot) is fear. And sharks and shark movies cause fear in audiences, a lot of fear.
Sharkby Steven Spielberg (1975)
Jaws, whose translation into Spanish is jaws, is the number one shark movie. Directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the novel by Peter Benchley, who collaborated in the writing of the script.
Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Roy Scheider, and Robert Shaw. A trio of disparate characters who embark on a small boat to hunt down a huge white shark.
Considered by many as one of the best movies in the history of cinema. Four decades after its premiere, it continues to be an obligatory reference in terms of monster movies (not just marine ones).
Many critics highlight its ability to terrorize viewers. And this even when the murderous beast does not appear on stage during the first 30 minutes of projection.
The music of John Williams is another of the highlights. Also the realism of special effects, when cinema still navigated distant waters to the digital age and green screens.
A Shark he was succeeded, as part of the franchise, by three more tapes. With Spielberg and Benchley completely disengaged from these projects, the artistic results are far from the original film.
sharktornadoby Anthony C. Ferrente (2013)
It is not exactly a work of art, but it is one of the most original arguments. At least when it comes to movies starring sharks.
A voracious marine tornado lifts a "horde" of sharks from the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The insatiable killing machines end up scattered in Los Angeles, mercilessly attacking the inhabitants of the city.
Produced directly for television, with a meager budget of $ 1.000.000.
It was considered among the worst movies in history (for many the number one on the list). To be full of absurd situations that exceed the limit of the ridiculous. A really poor special effects. Against all odds, it has become a cult work.
Its impact has been such that sharks have continued to fly for three more movies.
Mission of the shark: the saga of the USS Indianapolis, by Robert Iscove (1991)
Another TV movie though generally presented more as a war story than a shark movie.
Narrates the wreck of the infamous USS Indianapolis, hunted by a Japanese submarine between Guam and the Philippines in 1945.
All the scenes of fierce shark attacks on the crew abandoned in the water, they are really scary.
In 2016, Nicolas Cage starred in USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage, another film that recreates this tragic event. Nobody saw it.
Blue hellby Jamme Collet-Serra (2016)
Starring Blake Lively. A prominent surfer decides to travel to a lonely beach in Mexico and is attacked by a huge shark. Wounded, the girl manages to swim to a small rock, while her perpetrator continues to stalk.
Trapped and cut off try to stay calm and survive. But the high tide is about to submerge the shoal where it is, and help never comes.
deep see blueby Renny Harlin (1999)
Finnish action film specialist Renny Harlin jumped into the water with this history of genetically modified sharks.
Trapped in a research facility about to collapse in the middle of the sea, a group of people must work as a team to survive a trio of sharks highly intelligent, capable of communicating with each other, devising attack strategies or swimming in reverse.
Shark 3D. The preyby David R. Ellis (2011)
In this film, sharks are used as executing instruments of sentimental revenge.
A hurt ex-boyfriend decides "Plant" lots of sharks in a lake where whoever his girl has a vacation home. His goal is for her and her friends to die painfully.
The plot, quite laughable for the rest, has no greater weight in this film. What matters is 3D special effects and sharks constantly coming off the screen to devour viewers.
octopus sharkby Declan O 'Brien (2010)
The American TV channel SyFy, known for its productions of dubious quality, but unquestionable success, premiered this bizarre story in 2010.
A group of scientists is tasked with creating a new weapon of war. The mission is none other than to merge a shark with an octopus.
However the horrifying beast escapes the control of its creators and swims until Puerto Vallarta. In the popular Mexican resort, the tibupulpo wipes out everything in its path, until it is finally defeated.
Open seaby Chris Ketis (2003)
Described as one of the most realistic films shot in marine environments in history.
A couple on vacation in Southeast Asia, decide to take a diving expedition, along with another group of people. However, they never return on board and no one notices their absence, ending up stranded in shark-infested waters.
The tape is inspired by the tragic story of Tom and Elileen Candy.
The shark scareby Rob Letterman (2004)
There are also animated tapes, aimed at children, starring sharks.
With the English voices of Will Smith, Renée Zellweger, Angelina Jolie, Martin Scorsese and Jack Black, among others. Too Robert DeNiro is heard playing Don Lino, a feared mobster that instills terror under the ocean. It is a parody of Don Vito Corleone, the character that the same actor played in The Godfather II.
Image sources: eCartelera / Movie Quotes / Upsocl