Ishana Night Shyamalan creates her own wave in Hollywood
Every artist has a muse. For Ishana Night Shyamalan, the up-and-coming director and daughter of M. Night Shyamalan, it happens to be the legendary director Steven Spielberg. But more specifically, it’s Spielberg’s pioneering film – Jaws. Her directorial debut, The Watcher, takes more than a few pointers from Spielberg’s early triumph.
The Watcher: A Fresh Take on Terror
Taking the plunge into the horror genre, The Watcher showcases Shyamalan’s storytelling prowess. Starring Dakota Fanning, the film introduces us to an artist lost in an expansive Irish forest. Surreal creatures pursue her, forming an integral part of the narrative while remaining subtly portrayed. This approach is a direct nod to Spielberg’s style in Jaws.
Jaws – The Catalyst Behind The Watcher
In a candid talk with Jake Hamilton, Shyamalan confirmed that Jaws had been a fundamental influence on her filmmaking methodology. Its delicate balance of suspension and horror fascinated her. An element she then brought over to The Watcher, she creates an atmosphere where fear thrives, even without the creatures making an explicit appearance.
Navigating the Troubled Waters with Jaws
Despite turning into a hallmark in cinema history, Spielberg’s journey with Jaws was filled with one hurdle after another. From technical difficulties to shooting on the actual ocean, and the logistical nightmares it brought, his ordeal was nothing short of overwhelming. It did, however, dictate the way he depicted the infamous killer shark.
Instead of explicit appearances, Spielberg had to suggest the shark’s presence, resulting in viewers’ imagination taking the lead. This approach not only delayed the film’s shooting but also tripled its budget to $12 million. Yet, despite these enormous challenges, Jaws grossed a whopping $483.6 million at the box office. A precedent was set, showcasing Spielberg’s vision and persistence.
The Watcher Echoing Jaws’ Footsteps
With an appreciation and understanding of Spielberg’s techniques, Shyamalan moulded The Watcher in similar fashion. The suspense and apprehension that watched over Jaws influenced how she framed her narrative. This transfer of screen-worthy tension brought life to the mysterious creatures lurking within her film.
Both Spielberg and Shyamalan’s movies faced a fair share of issues. Yet, they persevered, providing engaging, innovative narratives to their audience. Despite differing timelines, their tales share common ground in displaying resilience and innovation.
The cinematic saga of Jaws can be streamed on Hulu, while The Watcher is currently showing in theaters. Both films highlight the importance of perseverance in filmmaking, something both Steven Spielberg and Ishana Night Shyamalan have displayed in their work.
A reflection of their innovative storytelling, and the journey that takes it from idea to the big screen, Jaws’ legacy and The Watcher’s promise set a high bar for the landscapes of their respective time frames. Thus, the inspirational journey behind Steven Spielberg’s Jaws and its impact on the next generation of filmmakers, as reflected in Ishana Night Shyamalan’s The Watcher, underscore the importance of resilience in the cinematography world.
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