JAWS: Ten reasons to love Spielberg shark thriller after nearly 50 years
"Jaws," the iconic 1975 film directed by Steven Spielberg, has cemented its place in cinematic history as a masterpiece of suspense, thrills, and storytelling. From its gripping narrative to its unforgettable characters and groundbreaking special effects, "Jaws" continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Here are ten reasons why this timeless classic deserves all the love it receives:
1. Revolutionary Filmmaking: "Jaws" revolutionized the film industry with its innovative techniques and masterful direction by Steven Spielberg. The film set new standards for suspense and storytelling, paving the way for modern blockbusters. Director Steven Spielberg shot as much of the film as possible from water level to provide the viewers the perspective as if they were treading water.
2. Timeless Storytelling: At its core, "Jaws" is a gripping tale of survival against all odds. The story of a small coastal town terrorized by a giant man-eating shark resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Producers Zanuck and Brown insisted on removing any superfluous story elements such as the Mayor’s mob ties and the affair between Ellen and Hooper.
3. Iconic Characters: From Chief Brody to Quint and Hooper, "Jaws" features some of the most memorable characters in cinematic history. Each character brings depth and complexity to the story, making them unforgettable to audiences. The role of Quint were not cast until just 9 days before principle photography was due to begin and Roy Scheider got the role of Brody after overhearing Steven Spielberg discussing the project at a party.
4. Tension and Suspense: Spielberg masterfully builds tension throughout the film, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The infamous shark attacks are expertly crafted to maximize suspense and fear. The pier incident scen features two men trying to catch the shark with a holiday roast and claim the $3,000 money put up by Mrs Kintner. It may start and end on notes of comedy and played for laughs, but by the end its more of a nervous laughter and our legs have been doing as much swimming and scrambling as Charlie's. It's a beautifully shot scene that is perhaps one of the underated masterstrokes of the film.
It is especially clever that part way through the set up we cut back to Chief Brody flicking through shark books and images of sharks and shark attack victims. It's a sly, clever touch as we don't physically see the shark until the estuary attack, but this fill out mind with a plethora of shark imagery, so when the unseen shark makes an appearance and is dragging the section of the pier, it's not a giant leap of the imagination to mentally see the shark and the impact it will have on Charlie if it catches up with him.
5. Iconic Score: Composer John Williams' haunting score for "Jaws" is instantly recognizable and adds immeasurably to the film's atmosphere. The iconic "da-dum, da-dum" theme has become synonymous with suspense in popular culture. Composer John Williams conducted the orchestra during the 1976 Academy Awards, so when it was announced that he won the Oscar for Best Score, he had to run up to the podium to accept his Oscar and then run back to continue conducting the orchestra.
6. Groundbreaking Special Effects: "Jaws" was at the forefront of special effects technology, showcasing realistic animatronics and innovative filmmaking techniques. The mechanical shark, nicknamed Bruce, was a marvel of engineering and brought the terrifying creature to life on screen.
During the pre-production phase, Steven Spielberg invited his friends Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, and John Milius to visit the effects shop where the massive 25-foot-long mechanical shark, affectionately named "Bruce," was being meticulously constructed. Upon seeing the impressive craftsmanship, Lucas remarked, "If you can capture even half of this on film, you'll have the biggest hit of all time." Curious about the inner workings of the shark, Lucas playfully peered into its gaping mouth. In a lighthearted moment, Milius and Spielberg decided to play a prank by manipulating the controls, causing the jaws to snap shut on Lucas' head. However, their amusement quickly turned to concern as the shark malfunctioned, leaving Lucas momentarily trapped. This incident, somewhat ominously, foreshadowed the technical challenges the production would encounter later on. After Spielberg and Milius managed to free Lucas from the mechanical jaws, the trio hastily fled the workshop, realizing the potential repercussions of their prank. As Milius later quipped, "We knew we'd just damaged something valuable."
7. Cinematic Legacy: "Jaws" has left an indelible mark on cinema, inspiring countless filmmakers and spawning a franchise that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its influence can be seen in everything from creature features to summer blockbusters.
8. Cultural Impact: "Jaws" not only terrified audiences but also sparked a cultural phenomenon. The film's release led to widespread fear of sharks and even had a significant impact on beach tourism, with some viewers avoiding the ocean altogether. Others totally embraced shark / JAWS mania and were inspired by the movie to dedicate careers to shark understanding and conservation.
JAWS’ relevance as a poltical satire was underscored by the COVID 19 outbreak. Lockdown was compared to Amity’s beaches open / closed dilemma and some world leaders championing Mayor Vaughn.
9. Themes of Humanity vs. Nature: Beneath its thrilling surface, "Jaws" explores deeper themes of humanity's relationship with nature and the consequences of unchecked exploitation. The conflict between man and shark serves as a metaphor for larger societal issues.
Jawws portrays nature as a formidable and unpredictable force that defies human attempts at control. Despite the town's efforts to contain and eliminate the shark threat, the creature continues to wreak havoc, challenging the hubris of mankind's technological prowess. The shark's relentless pursuit of prey symbolizes nature's resilience and the futility of human arrogance in the face of natural forces beyond our comprehension.
Jaws" also explores the theme of human vulnerability in the face of nature's indifference. As the residents of Amity Island grapple with fear and uncertainty, they are forced to confront their own mortality and insignificance in the grand scheme of the natural world. The shark serves as a metaphorical embodiment of primal instincts and instinctual fears, reminding humanity of its inherent fragility and mortality.
Moreover, the film examines the consequences of human exploitation and environmental degradation. The rampant overfishing and pollution depicted in "Jaws" reflect real-world issues plaguing coastal communities, highlighting the destructive impact of human activities on fragile ecosystems. By portraying the shark as a vengeful force seeking retribution for mankind's transgressions, the film underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world, emphasizing the need for environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.
10. Enduring Popularity: More than four decades after its release, "Jaws" remains as popular as ever, captivating new generations of audiences with its timeless story and groundbreaking filmmaking. Its status as a cultural touchstone is a testament to its enduring quality and impact. "Jaws" is a cinematic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless storytelling, iconic characters, and groundbreaking filmmaking. Its influence on popular culture and lasting legacy ensure that it will be cherished by moviegoers for generations to come.
Words by Ross Williams
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