Unforeseen Moments: The Struggles and Triumphs of Filming Underwater Scenes for Hollywood Blockbusters
The world of underwater filming can be quite challenging, with numerous unforeseen and sometimes troubling moments. From the infamous case of the PCP-laced chowder during the Titanic shoot to the difficulties faced by the crew and cast of Jaws and the harrowing experience of The Abyss, these stories highlight the unique challenges and the resilience of those who dare to venture into the depths for their craft. This article takes a look at some of the best and worst unforeseen moments that a film crew or actors experienced while filming their movies set in the sea.
The Titanic PCP Incident
During the filming of Titanic, one of the most iconic and beloved films of all time, several members of the film crew became ill. This occurred during a research vessel shoot, where the catering crew added PCP (Phencyclidine) to the chowder, a deliberate and malicious act that made dozens of crew members ill. Interestingly, this incident involved the chowder served during a crew meal, and neither Leonardo DiCaprio nor Kate Winslet were present during this time.
Halifax police were unable to identify or arrest the culprit behind the PCP-laced chowder. This event serves as a stark reminder of the human element in even the most high-profile and well-organized film shoots.
The Jaws Mechanical Shark Mishap
During the filming of Jaws, director Steven Spielberg was still gaining recognition and the budget was limited. One of the biggest challenges on set was the mechanical shark, affectionately nicknamed Bruce. Because the prop department did not ensure the mechanical shark worked as intended, the crew resorted to filming with the actors interacting with wires and special effects. The distraction of trying to make the shark work added a layer of complexity to the shoot.
The inability to use the giant mechanical shark required the crew to retool the film. They ultimately transformed it into a suspense movie, which, in the end, may have benefitted the film. Drinking the shark juice may not have been the best day's work, but it paved the way for one of the most successful and iconic film franchises in history. The sequels, while maintaining the quality of the original, perhaps did not live up to the same level of success.
The Abyss: A Legendary Shoot
James Cameron's film The Abyss proved to be one of the most grueling and difficult shoots in cinema history. The story involves Ed Harris, who played Bud Brigman, heading down into the Cayman Trough to defuse a bomb. For this scene, Harris had to hold his breath and was towed underwater. Not as glamorous as it sounds, this process was taxing for the actor and the crew.
Cameron himself nearly drowned during the filming, as he wore weights to stay at the bottom of the tank and was reportedly forgotten when it came to refilling his scuba tank. Another diver attempted to give him air, but the regulator malfunctioned, causing Cameron to suck in water. Disturbingly, this incident led to a physical altercation, with Ed Harris punching his director during their water scene session.
Michael Biehn, who played the role of Lt. Coffey, also had a near-drowning experience. When the lights failed, Biehn was left in pitch blackness, 40 feet below the surface. Initially unable to surface, he feared for his life. His experience highlights the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous conditions professionals face when filming underwater.
Overall, The Abyss is celebrated for its legendary difficulties, and the nicknames given to the shoot reflect the harrowing experience it was for all involved: “The Abuse,” for example, is one such nickname.
The stories from Titanic, Jaws, and The Abyss underscore the extreme measures and risks taken by filmmakers to bring their underwater scenes to life. Despite the challenges, these three films remain among the most celebrated and beloved in Hollywood's history.
In conclusion, these examples illustrate that the journey to produce a film set in the sea is not just about the iconic scenes on screen but also the unseen struggles and adversities faced by the production teams and actors. From the sinister PCP-laced chowder to the technical challenges of the mechanical shark and the harrowing underwater depths, these stories add layers of depth and authenticity to the final product.