Mick Fanning’s shark escape mesmerised me – just as Jaws once did | Jonathan Jones

The image of Fanning in the water next to that iconic fin proves once again that sharks are the magnificent, cinematic stars of the imagination

The giant fin. The man in the water. It is an image to set pulses racing and make hearts leap out of mouths. In the words of a commentator who had to respond to the live television images of champion surfer Mick Fanning fending off a shark attack during the J-Bay Open in South Africa: “Holy shit … Excuse me.” The live coverage of the contest then cut away presumably to spare viewers the sight of blood spurting from the sea. But Fanning fought off the shark – apparently you really can deter them with a punch or two – and swam desperately to safety.

Related: Mick Fanning battles shark attack at surfing competition: 'I'm just tripping'

It is all the fault of Steven Spielberg. He recognised something perfect in the meeting of shark and camera and mind

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