Ron Howards latest movie concerns the true story of a group of whalers who sailed a ship called the Essex into uncharted waters in 1820, in order to catch enormous sperm whales. What they came across however, was even more enormous than they could have imagined. The boat was deliberately attacked by a monster sperm whale and the survivors tale went on to inspire Herman Melvilles Moby Dick. So whats the ratio of fact and fiction? Well, in all fairness to the production team, they did a reasonable job of staying true to the original accounts, as well as what we know about sperm whales today. The size of the whale is scientifically plausible (though it definitely clocks in as one of the biggest ever), which is respectable since its the one aspect a movie maker would be tempted to play around with the most (see: Jaws). However, one fatal flaw will spoil the immersion of all sperm whale experts out there. You know who you are. A 2002 study into aggressive behaviour of sperm whales found that, whether attacking ships or rival males, a bull whale has a definite preferred weapon. Rather than swatting his tail all over the place like some sort of murderous sea-dwelling Labrador, a sperm whale will consistently headbutt his target into submission (or indeed submersion). Its all backed up with anatomical and anecdotal evidence, say the experts. So, while it makes for some rather spectacular cinematography, Ron Howards shots of tail swipes are not at all what a marine biologist would have suggested.
Peter Austin initially joined WhatCulture as an occasional contributor to our Film, Gaming and Science sections, but made the mistake of telling us that he'd been making videos in his bedroom for over a decade. Since then he's been a vital member of our YouTube team and routinely sets the standard for smart-casual wear in the office.
