The 1990 film “Arachnophobia” is a masterclass in creating a sense of fear and unease, thanks to its use of real spiders. Director Frank Marshall, known for his work on “Alive” and “Congo,” knew that using CGI spiders would be a mistake, as it would take away from the genuine fear that the audience was trying to experience. Marshall was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” and aimed to create a similar atmosphere of dread.
The film follows Dr. Ross Jennings, played by Jeff Daniels, a young doctor who has just moved to a small California town with his family. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when a species of South American killer spider is introduced to the area, and a trail of dead bodies begins to pile up. As the town tries to figure out what is happening, it becomes clear that the spiders are not just ordinary insects, but are instead a deadly and intelligent species.
To get the right look and feel for the spiders, Marshall held auditions just like a human actor would. He showcased different characteristics, such as appearance and behavior, and selected the Avondale spider for its creepy appearance and ability to move. Marshall even went so far as to rig up a “spider condominium” with different drawers to test the spiders’ climbing and speed.
A Still From 1990 Arachnophobia Movie (Via IMDB)
To get the spiders to perform specific actions, Marshall and his team used a combination of hot air from hair dryers and lemon pledge to guide them. They were able to trick the spiders into crawling up a lamp or going down a popcorn bag, making it seem like they were acting on command.
The film’s climax features an animatronic spider, designed by Chris Walas, who had previously worked on “Gremlins.” The spider was so lifelike that it even got a reaction out of the film’s star, Jeff Daniels.
“Arachnophobia” was a commercial success, grossing millions at the box office. Over three decades later, it remains a standout in the creature feature genre, thanks to its commitment to using real spiders to create a sense of realism. Despite being over 30 years old, the film still holds up today, making it a must-watch for fans of suspenseful horror films.
