"Anaconda": The Amazonian "Jurassic Park"

In this 90s film, the characters embark on a seemingly routine mission deep into the wilderness. However, lurking in the forest is a massive beast, and one by one, the characters fall prey, leaving the male and female protagonists to flee for their lives while wary of the antagonist's schemes. Ultimately, they realize that "the most terrifying beast is still human." The 1997 film "Anaconda," which dominated the U.S. box office for two consecutive weeks, has faded from the public's memory.

《大蟒蛇:神出鬼沒》。

Jennifer Lopez stars as a documentary director who, along with Dr. Steven Cale, ventures into the wild to film a documentary about indigenous people. Along the way, they encounter a stranger, Paul Serone, who needs rescue. However, Paul Serone seems to have his agenda, gradually leading this group of good-hearted protagonists into the deadly jaws of a giant anaconda.

The 1997 release of "Anaconda" again highlighted the brilliance of 1993's "Jurassic Park." Not only did that dinosaur film showcase incredibly realistic visual effects, but it also sent a clear message to Hollywood that it was time to revive the monster horror genre. This news was somewhat frustrating for the B-movie industry: they had been revitalizing monster-eats-man films for years, and now mainstream studios were swooping in to reap the rewards of their efforts. Numerous B-movie producers rushed to create monster films, claiming they could be more agile and audacious than Hollywood's major studios.

B-movie mogul Roger Corman quickly produced "Carnosaur," deliberately releasing it a month before "Jurassic Park." In 1994, "Mosquito" hit the screens, with its straightforward title hinting at giant mosquitoes preying on a small town's unfortunate residents. These films almost invariably echoed "Jurassic Park," using practical effects combined with digital technology to bring monsters to life. Their storylines and character archetypes were strikingly similar, with their remaining charm in how effectively they could tap into the audience's fear of these creatures.

《大蟒蛇:神出鬼沒》。

For many people, snakes are among the most terrifying animals they could encounter. In this respect, "Anaconda" had a significant advantage. Columbia Pictures, a major studio, was motivated to invest in this film: who wouldn't be afraid of a giant anaconda, especially a mutated one?

"Anaconda" isn't quite a horror film in the traditional sense and won't leave viewers with lingering nightmares. It's a teen-friendly horror movie, much like "Friday the 13th" or "A Nightmare on Elm Street," but even milder. The giant snake's methods are limited and lack the creative killings that Freddy Krueger is known for.

《大蟒蛇:神出鬼沒》。

In the 90s, digital effects hadn't peaked, and not everyone could create lifelike dinosaurs like Steven Spielberg. The giant anaconda in "Anaconda" is obviously not real and wasn't intended to be. It resembles the mythical creatures from "Clash of the Titans," which is precisely the point.

Aside from a few species, snakes don't roar. Yet, the anaconda in this film lets out a terrifying screech before attacking, thanks to renowned voice actor Frank Welker. Real anacondas can't stand upright, but this one often towers two stories high. In one scene, they use a small monkey as bait to catch the giant snake. Such absurdities are understandable since "Anaconda" is a monster movie, not a Discovery Channel documentary. Audiences come for the thrilling spectacle of a powerful monster, not an accurate depiction of Amazonian wildlife.

The film's blend of practical models and digital effects delivers a striking giant snake that captivates viewers. The '90s were the last era to mix practical and digital effects extensively. Despite varying quality, the tangible heft of practical effects creates an irreplaceable impact unmatched by digital substitutes.

However, as the film progresses, the reliance on digital effects increases, reducing the snake's believability. Yet, the sight of the fiery anaconda, crafted from a model, still impresses, showcasing the filmmakers' dedication.

《大蟒蛇:神出鬼沒》。

The Anaconda is the film's most terrifying, merciless, and grotesque beast. It strangles victims while reciting "sanctus! sanctus! sanctus!" as if seeking redemption. '90s action movies often featured over-the-top villains whose sneering faces were more memorable than the beasts' fangs. When Jon Voight's character is finally swallowed, the exaggerated perspective shot of him sliding down the snake's gullet is both appalling and satisfying for viewers who despise his character.

"Anaconda" isn't without flaws: scenes of the boat leaving the shore are played in reverse, and an actor is bitten without tearing his T-shirt. Despite winning six Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Picture, the film still captivated audiences, debuting at number one with over $16 million and grossing $65 million domestically, almost quadrupling its opening. Globally, it earned $130 million against a $45 million budget, marking it a financial success.

Unsurprisingly, "Anaconda" spawned sequels. "Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid" hit theaters in 2004, followed by direct-to-DVD releases "Anaconda 3: Offspring" and "Anacondas: Trail of Blood." In 2015, "Lake Placid vs. Anaconda" brought the giant snake back, with "Freddy Krueger" actor Robert Englund among the cast.

《大蟒蛇 2:血蘭花》。

Interestingly, despite "Anaconda's" success, a sequel wasn't immediately pursued, and Jennifer Lopez didn't return. Post-"Anaconda," Lopez starred in the well-received "Selena," and her rising star power after "Selena" and "Anaconda" demonstrated her box office draw.

《大蟒蛇:神出鬼沒》。

By the time "Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid" was greenlit in 2006, Lopez's status had soared, making her unsuitable for a B-movie sequel. Though giant snake films are still made, major Hollywood studios have shifted focus away from monster movies like these. Today's blockbusters feature fantastical creatures in superhero flicks, which lack the same thrill. Yet, as the Amazon remains unexplored, there's hope for a revival of giant snake movies, much like the resurgence of shark films.

Light Points

Spotlights help boost visibility — be the first!

Comments
Hot
New
comments

Share your thoughts!

Be the first to start the conversation.

0
0
0
0