When it comes to animal horror, the genre has already unleashed its fair share of ravenous beasts: Saint Bernards (“Cujo”), black bears (“Backcountry”), lions (“Beast”), spiders (“Arac Attack”) or giant crocodiles (“Lake Placid”). However, one animal species dominates this topic by a huge margin – namely the shark. This was ensured not only by the mockbuster makers The Asylum (“Sharknado”), who sent the predatory fish on the hunt in increasingly absurd appearances and forms.
The supposedly voracious beast from the depths of the sea has also been adopted several times in Hollywood: “Jaws”, “The Shallows” and “Meg”, to which a sequel is already waiting for us on August 3 with “Meg: The Deep”, are just a few examples. But what is behind the fascination with sharks? And are the underwater hunters really as dangerous as Steven Spielberg and Co. been trying to make us believe for years?
A must for all shark lovers
Sharksploitation refers extensively to exactly these questions. It is not yet clear when the documentary will be shown in Germany. In the United States, Sharksploitation will premiere on Shudder streaming service this Friday, July 21. The now-released trailer for Stephen Scarlata’s documentary further underlines that it’s a must for all fans of “Jaws” and the like.
In “Sharksploitation” various filmmakers, critics and scientists have their say. These include marine and environmental activist Wendy Benchley, Jaws author Carl Gottlieb, directors Roger Corman (She Gods Of Shark Reef), Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down), and Joe Dante (Gremlins). Director Stephen Scarlata explores the cinematic legacy of sharks with familiar support and explores the unbroken fascination with the animals.
As the trailer shows, this really takes you through the history of the film. Not only does the meaning of the respective works (especially “Jaws” of course) go into detail, but it also points out that the films have caused a total misconception of sharks to be created. “Sharksploitation” also tries to dispel the myths that continue to fuel the animal horror genre.