Movie spotlight
Sharkman
"Acclaimed Cape Town filmmakers the Foster Brothers, in their groundbreaking documentary Sharkman, have something important to tell us about sharks. But the question is: will you be listening? You might be too busy watching in amazement as a four metre White Shark – weighing 1½ tons – cruises the big blue with a diver clutching her dorsal fin. Every spare synapse will be used up as the same diver gently wrestles a Tiger shark into catatonia, its oven-wide head and tooth-riddled jaw inches from his face. You will be too busy gawping as Caribbean Reef and Black Tip sharks cuddle in the lap of Gansbaai free diver Mike Rutzen, also known as South Africa's "shark whisperer"..." (excerpt from a press article by Steve Pike, about the film commissioned by Animal Planet and Discovery Channel to, acclaimed Cape Town filmmakers, the Foster Brothers).
Insights
Plot Summary
In this Italian horror film, a marine biologist discovers a mysterious shark species with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. As the creature begins to terrorize a coastal town, he must race against time to find a way to stop it before it's too late. The film features gruesome encounters and a race against time to prevent further loss of life.
Critical Reception
Sharkman received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who often cited its low budget, predictable plot, and reliance on gore. While some appreciated its attempt at a creature feature, others found it to be a forgettable entry in the genre.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its creature effects and intense chase sequences.
Criticized for its thin plot and reliance on shock value.
Considered a typical low-budget Italian horror film of its era.
Google audience: Audience reviews are sparse, but those available tend to focus on the film's effectiveness as a B-movie horror flick, with some enjoying the gore and tension while others found it lacking in originality.
Fun Fact
Despite being released in 2007, 'Sharkman' is often considered part of the late 70s/early 80s wave of Italian exploitation and horror films due to its style and production values, and was directed by the prolific Joe D'Amato, known for his work in the genre.
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