10 Horror Movie Deaths Not Even The Actors Saw Coming

5. Chrissie Watkins (Jaws)

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Universal Pictures

The death that made everyone scared to go in the water, Chrissie's brutal demise in the opening minutes of Steven Spielberg's Jaws was an uncomfortable shoot for actress Susan Backlinie.

She was bolted into a pair of Levi jeans with a harness attached, allowing the filmmakers to use ropes to yank her around in the water. But further still, the actual moment of her death - when she's pulled underneath the surface - came as a complete surprise to her.

Deciding that he wanted her reaction to be as realistic as possible, Spielberg didn't inform Backlinie when that final, vertical tug would occur, causing the actress to be taken aback when it actually did happen.

It was undoubtedly an effective decision, making Chrissie's final seconds feel all the more sudden and shocking.

 
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WhoCulture Channel Manager/Doctor Who Editor at WhatCulture. Can confirm that bow ties are cool.