What the JAWS movies got wrong about sharks
Jaws, the 1975 blockbuster film directed by Steven Spielberg, has been criticized for its portrayal of sharks and the impact it had on public perception of these animals. Here are some of the things Jaws got wrong about sharks:
Sharks are not vengeful: In JAWS The Revenge, the great white shark is depicted as a vengeful predator seeking revenge against the humans who have hunted and killed its kind. However, sharks do not have the cognitive capacity to hold grudges or seek revenge. They are simply following their instincts and reacting to their environment.
Sharks do not target humans as prey: In JAWS (1975), the great white shark targets humans as its primary food source, leading to a fear of shark attacks among the public. In reality, sharks do not see humans as prey and most shark attacks are cases of mistaken identity, where the shark mistakes a human for a seal or other marine animal.
Sharks are not mindless killing machines: In the JAWS movies, the great white shark is depicted as a mindless killing machine, driven solely by its instincts to hunt and kill. However, sharks are intelligent and curious animals, and many species play important roles in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.
“Although Jaws does get the odd few things wrong about sharks, a lot of their science was based on shark theories relevant at the time (1970s). It’s nice to hear scientific names of the sharks used by Hooper, and fairly accurate depictions of generally how shark attacks go down, on both Chrissie and Alex Kintner in the film. I’m still not convinced a great white would intentionally strand itself onto the back of a boat to sink it though!”
Sharks are not all the same: In the movie, the great white shark is portrayed as a generic "shark", but in reality, there are more than 500 different species of sharks, each with their own unique characteristics and behaviors.
Sharks are not inherently dangerous: The portrayal of sharks as bloodthirsty killers in Jaws has contributed to a fear and misunderstanding of these animals. In reality, most sharks are not dangerous to humans, and many species are critically endangered due to overfishing and habitat loss.
#JawsIsNotADocumentary
It's important to remember that Jaws is a work of fiction, and while it may be entertaining, it should not be taken as an accurate representation of sharks or their behavior. We should strive to learn more about these fascinating creatures and work to protect them and their habitats for future generations.
Words by Ross Williams
If you would like to write for The Daily Jaws, please visit our ‘work with us’ page
For all the latest Jaws, shark and shark movie news, follow The Daily Jaws on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.