How Hooper finally earned Quint's respect in JAWS

Hello, Islanders!

In writing all about the conflicts between Hooper and Quint in JAWS, I wondered if, despite all his protestations at everything Hooper did, was it possible that Quint actually had a hidden respect for Hooper?

The two characters first meet at Quint’s shack, where the ORCA Captain is ticking off his demands to Brody.  When Brody tries to introduce Hooper, Quint comments, “I know who he is,” meaning he’s at least familiar with who Hooper is and what he does.  And even if Hooper does have “city hands,” Quint had to be impressed when he tied a Sheepshank knot effortlessly.  Allow me to go “squirrel” for a moment and make a note that, if and/or when a JAWS 50 Celebration happens, that a Sheepshank tying contest is held.  

We later learn Quint’s past when he recounts the story of the U.S.S. Indianapolis.  Assuming he lied about his age, as many young men did in World War II, and using Robert Shaw as a template, Quint would have been 17 when the ship was sunk.  Presumably once he was discharged from the Navy he moved to Amity and began his shark fishing days.  He may have been jealous that Hooper had the opportunity to go to college and even envious of the fancy equipment Hooper brought aboard the ORCA.

I think Quint began to lighten up in regards to Hooper when the two, over drinks, compare the scars they have accumulated in life.  That moment, and the fact that Hooper knew about the tragedy of the U.S.S. Indianapolis, may have earned the oceanographer a little bit of respect.

In my opinion the respect finally came when Hooper allowed himself to be lowered into the water inside the anti-shark cage.  I mean, you can’t help but give props to anyone that has decided to enter the world of a predator with nothing but a small, steel cage between you and said predator. 

There is a brief moment in the film between when the empty cage is pulled to the surface to when the shark leaps on the deck of the ORCA where Quint looks out at the ocean.  The look on his face says it all.  RESPECT.  

Words by Michael A Smith. Michael is co-author of Jaws 2: The Making Of The Hollywood Sequel. You can order the book by contacting Michael at OsFanMike@aol.com.

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