MovieChat Forums > Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) Discussion > Why is Jason afraid of chainsaws?

Why is Jason afraid of chainsaws?

posted 8 years ago by tm1617-2
20 replies | jump to latest

After existing in the woods all by himself for years and even showing carpentry skills, Jason surely would be used to dangerous objects of all kinds. He, by this time, has killed a string of people and been hunted by many others. When Ginny attacks Jason with the chainsaw, he looks as if he has never been near one or had to deal with someone trying to destroy him. I know that since this movie is Jason's debut as a slasher he is a bit more realistic and emotional, but it seems ridiculous that a murderous recluse from the most rugged and primitive circumstances would be so intimidated by a common outdoor tool.

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Mysteriously_Eerie 8 years ago

How do we know Jason has carpentry skills? He's living in a shack, but he may not have built it. The US countryside has thousands of old, abandoned houses in the woods (especially in the '70s). Maybe he just appropriated one. Jason also has a hammer, but so do I, and I definitely don't have carpentry skills.

I think it's safe to say that it's a natural human instinct to be fearful of loud objects thrust at you in a threatening manner. Ginny was using it as a weapon, so it seems right for Jason to react to it as such, even if he didn't know what it would do.

The thing I want to know is how Jason swims underwater out to that girl in the raft in Part III when he isn't supposed to be a good swimmer.

[–] Snake_MacReady82 8 years ago

Even a potato-headed hillbilly like Jason knows a chainsaw would ruin his sh!t.

Thit and thpin!

[–] Snake_MacReady82 8 years ago

Additionally, his pitchfork had broken, so he was momentarily unarmed.

Thit and thpin!

[–] tm1617-2 7 years ago

Mysteriously_Eerie, you're right, Jason may not be the builder of his shack. In fact, the design of the 'bathroom' suggests that there have been previous occupants. Perhaps that implies that Jason has killed for room? Nevertheless, the slasher must have carpentry skills if he has existed on his own without luxuries and even many basic necessities for years.

[–] lrdcharlton 7 years ago

I do not believe it was someone else's shack. It was clearly shown to be crudely fashioned together with scraps. Also, the toilet seemed to be just placed in there but had plumbing rendering it inoperable.

[–] Chopperbubba 7 years ago

Ever been to a hunters or trappers shack? I've been in some that made Jason's shack look like the Hilton. Even Higgins haven didn't have a toilet.

[–] NesterTheJester 7 years ago

That chainsaw scene is friggin' hilarious! The way Jason backs up from Ginny, scared sh!tless. I always have to rewind it and watch it a few times. LOL

[–] GreenGoblinsOck8 (7414) 6 years ago

Probably not as funny as when Ginny kicked him in the groin or when she rammed the car door into him knocking him over.

[–] ShallowAl69 7 years ago

Perhaps the actor / stuntman in the burlap sack at the time thought that Amy Steel / her stunt woman was genuinely gonna chainsaw him into itty bitty pieces?

And so he acted accordingly.

Lest we forget the film had a low budget and there may have not been any safety precautions.

Or Amy and Steve / Warrington didn't get on?

Bad acting.

Overacting.

Could it be that Jason wasn't afraid of chainsaws but he was afraid of chainsaw wielding bimbos?

[–] Washingtonnative (2613) 6 years ago

He's afraid of them, because they inflict pain.

[–] TM1617-2 (601) 6 years ago

Washingtonnative, this is part of why I am asking. Jason has had too many struggles in his life to fear something simply because it hurts. He has managed an extremely rough life with no assistance and relied on nothing but nature.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

I'm pretty sure anyone would be scared if they were having a chain saw flung at them, no matter how tough they are. If he hadn't of reacted accordingly, he would most likely have been cut in half.
This question is flawed.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

The question wasn't flawed but rather the scene. I think Jason wasn't afraid but protecting himself. Even psychopathic killers don't want to be harmed. I just think it was a case of poor acting or directing.

[–] TM1617-2 (601) 6 years ago

Thank you, JoeySweetheart. You realize that I am referring to the psychological matter of the moment, not the literal power of a chainsaw. That's a good suggestion about Jason, and the one that fits best with what we expect. As you say, though, it probably just isn't portrayed the right way.

[–] TM1617-2 (601) 6 years ago

Physically, yes, HodWatt, but my question is centered on how the chainsaw seems like a terrifying foreign object to Jason.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

He probably hasn't encountered one before.

[–] Moonglum9 (10722) 6 years ago

It reminded him that if he ever came up against Ash, his zombie ass would be toast!

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

I used a chainsaw once. it wasnt that scary. difference is I was at the correct end of it . if somone else was trying to kill me with it - i'd have been more jumpy!