Via the Hollywood Reporter (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/susan-backlinie-dead-jaws-first-victim-1235896892/amp/)
I don't think Jaws would have been Jaws without that opening scene. She acted her ass off and sold the whole movie. May she rest in peace.
Quote from: Lazarus on May 12, 2024, 09:10:57 PMShe acted her ass off
'Quite literally, we should add!
Even by today's standards,
Jaws was way too intense for general audiences.
During a convention panel Ms Backlinie discussed the filming of her big scene, being
brutally yanked in different directions to simulate the shark's attack. The public
may not remember her name in years to come (if they ever did) but the impact of
her brief performance made waves that may never break.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q70/389/fvtjawsuk7.png)
Incredible performance aside, she was such a class act to meet in-person as well, so patient and humble. I love that she got out to the cons and similar events this past decade to meet the fans.
RIP beautiful Chrissie.
Maybe 10 years ago now, I got see Jaws again on the big screen, and there were clearly younger folk in the theater who hadn't seen it before: when the Kintner boy died in a spray of blood, there were audible gasps! And again when Ben Gardner's head made an appearance. Good times!
RIP, Ms. Backlinie. Thanks for all of the scares!