When I was growing up, there were a few films that really freaked me out and changed the trajectory of my life.
First up, Jaws. I saw this movie when I was just 10 years old, and it left a lasting impact on me. Even now, 45 years later, I'm still scared to jump off a boat into the ocean. It doesn't matter if I'm in the middle of a beautiful sea with crystal clear water and not a soul around. In my mind, the moment I jump in, a giant shark is going to appear out of nowhere, and that iconic music will start playing. Thanks a lot, Spielberg.
The other movie that really messed me up was When a Stranger Calls. Remember that classic scene? The babysitter calls 911, and they trace the call only to tell her, "Get out. He's calling from inside the house." I mean, who comes up with that kind of twisted idea? Probably a sociopath. Anyway, after watching that, I couldn't be home alone without feeling like some creep was lurking in the shadows.
So, there you have it. Two movies that left me with a lifelong fear of the ocean and being home alone. But the one that really sticks with me is Jaws. I can still hear that haunting soundtrack playing in my head whenever I'm near the water. You know the one: "Duunnn dunnn... duuunn dunn... duuunnnnnnnn dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnn dunnnn..."
It's like a musical warning that danger is lurking just beneath the surface, waiting to strike. And no matter how many times I try to convince myself that it's just a movie, that primal fear remains.
I guess that's the power of a truly great film, song, marketing campaign or brand—it can burrow into your subconscious and stay there for a lifetime.
But hey, at least I've got a built-in alarm system for shark attacks, right? Silver linings.
