Jumanji's Crocodile Scene: A Realistic Review

The Unveiling of Jumanji's Crocodile Scene

The crocodile attack scene featured in 1995’s original Jumanji movie has been a topic of discussion and critique, especially in regard to its realism. Based on the children’s book of the same name, Jumanji follows a pair of young siblings who unleash several jungle-based threats from a supernatural board game, and in the process free Robin Williams’ Alan Parrish, who had been trapped in the game for over 20 years. At one point, a monsoon is unleashed and causes the Parrish house to become flooded with crocodile-infested waters. In a bid to protect others, Williams’ character valiantly attempts to wrestle an attacking crocodile by jumping on its back.

Alan (Robin Williams) with a scraggly beard and leaf cloak in Jumanji

As intense as the crocodile scene may have been, one expert has dismissed the realism of the Jumanji moment. In a video for Insider, crocodile wrangler Frank Robb broke down the movie’s reptilian encounter and pointed out several obvious fallacies, including rejecting the notion of Williams’ character being able to wrestle a 15-foot crocodile into submission.

Robb highlighted the discrepancies in the crocodile's behavior and strength compared to real-life crocodiles. He emphasized the stealth and power of crocodiles, debunking the idea of a human being able to match strength with such a powerful animal. Additionally, he clarified misconceptions about the ease of shutting a crocodile's mouth and the tremendous force required to do so. These insights shed light on the unrealistic portrayal of the crocodile scene in the movie.

Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Crocodile Scene

While a professional crocodile wrangler may have issues with the realism of Jumanji’s crocodile scene, the movie’s star didn’t have any such qualms about the nature of the action sequence. Despite being renowned for its use of CGI special effects at a time when the technology was still very much in its infancy, there were still several shots that were too difficult for director Joe Johnston and his crew to achieve digitally. Foremost among them was the moment when William’s Alan Parrish jumped onto the back of the thrashing crocodile.

Instead of relying solely on CGI, director Joe Johnston opted for a more traditional approach by using a life-sized crocodile suit with a puppeteer inside. This decision not only allowed for a more realistic interaction between Williams and the crocodile but also added an element of physicality to the scene. However, the dedication of Robin Williams to his craft led to an unexpected incident during filming, as he got carried away and accidentally thumped the Jumanji puppeteer inside the crocodile suit.

Despite the challenges and the behind-the-scenes mishap, Jumanji’s crocodile scene remains an iconic part of the beloved family classic. The blend of traditional methods and CGI effects, along with Williams’ over-enthusiastic dedication to his craft, contributed to the enduring appeal of the scene despite its lack of realism.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Jumanji’s Crocodile Scene

The crocodile scene in Jumanji has left a lasting impact on audiences, despite the criticism it has received for its lack of realism. The combination of traditional filmmaking techniques and CGI effects, along with the dedication of the cast and crew, has cemented the scene as a memorable and iconic moment in the beloved family classic. While the realism of the crocodile encounter may be questionable, the entertainment and thrill it provides remain undeniable, making it a defining part of the Jumanji experience.

As Jumanji continues to captivate audiences and inspire new adaptations, the crocodile scene serves as a reminder of the creativity and innovation that went into bringing the jungle-based threats to life on the big screen. Despite the expert critiques and behind-the-scenes challenges, the enduring legacy of Jumanji’s crocodile scene is a testament to the magic of filmmaking and the enduring appeal of a beloved classic.