STACK #169 Nov 2018

FILM

FEATURE

setting can be – except, perhaps, for outer space. Our characters reflect the fact that there are smart and brave people all over the world with extraordinary gifts, who have a great sense of humour, and who fall in love. I thought, ‘Let’s bring them all together to solve a global problem.’” With location filming taking place in New Zealand and China, Turteltaub notes that the ocean

THE MEGALODON Fossil records put the size of the megalodon at 18 metres, although this is based on estimations as only fragmentary remains exist. Megalodon means 'big tooth' and for good reason. Each one was the size of an average human hand, with the largest on record measuring eight inches. The megalodon is thought to have become extinct around two million years ago. Some palaeontologists believe it was similar in appearance to the great white, albeit with wider jaws and five rows of teeth.There is also speculation that it more closely resembled a whale shark or a basking shark.

is a mean place to make a movie. “It’s constantly moving and changing and

I had never done a big monster movie before – certainly not a giant shark movie...

doesn’t let you control it. Boats don’t stay in one place. The weather is always changing. All these things add up to people getting seasick and cinematographers complaining about the light.” However, he does add that working

eleven and a half hours you might as well be enjoying yourself.” On working with the Stath,

on the ocean imparted a very real sense of being in the film he was making. “For a director, that turns all of this into an exciting adventure. You lose an element of control, but you gain so much authenticity and pleasure from making the movie.” Turteltaub hopes that audiences will also buy into this adventurous spirit when they see The Meg . “I want them to gasp and laugh. But on a deeper level, I want them to appreciate the experience that we worked so hard to bring them. I’ve made movies where I wanted audiences to leave thinking esoteric thoughts or experiencing deep feelings. With The Meg I just want them to say, ‘That was freaking awesome!’”

the director laughs that as well as bringing “tremendous abs” to the role of Jonas Taylor, he also brought a sense of dignity. “You believe every word that comes out of his mouth, so Jason is the way to make a megalodon believable,” he explains. “He also has a great sense of humour that lies just beneath all that strength. Jason brings everything that comes with being the star of your movie, but he can also turn it upside down when necessary and have fun with it.” Surrounding the British action star is a truly international cast – including China’s Bingbing Li, American Rainn Wilson, Kiwi Cliff Curtis, and Australia’s own Ruby Rose – which Turteltaub says is reflective of the film’s setting. “ The Meg takes place mostly in the ocean, which is as international as a

• The Meg is out Nov 28

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