It sounds like a terrible idea for a film. Two lovers whose relationship has
become stale agree on a vacation together in the Bahamas to include SCUBA
diving. They surface after their fist dive, and find that an incorrect head
count has caused their boat to leave without them. They spend the rest of the
film treading water and trying to look small to an ever increasing number of
sharks.
It was made with nearly no budget ($130K) and nearly no crew over months and
months, and stars two relatively unknown but professional actors.
Imagine the surprise when they were approached by Lion's Gate for a full
theatrical release.
A good review by Variety helped them to get noticed, but what sold the film
was an excellent job of telling a simple, static story. The choices for leads
ended up being inspired, as both relatively unknown thespians did great in what
must have been very difficult roles. Not only was the shoot spread over a long
time period, but they were required to swim with real sharks. In fact, the
female lead was badly bitten by an aggressive barracuda during the shoot.
It earned $39 million worldwide.
All of which proves that talent can make a successful film.
Blanchard Ryan is shown naked when her man tries
and fails to interest her in sex.
Scoop's note: Blanchard was already 36 when this film
hit, and she must have thought its surprise success would be her big break.
Never happened. She didn't work again for three years.
