Meeting Jaws in Lockdown

During the the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, we've been speaking to people who have either been introduced to Jaws for the first time as an adult or introducing it to their children.

This time we - and Jaws the film - catch up with eight year old Jacob from Nottinghamshire, introduced to the film by his dad, Dave. 

The Daily Jaws (TDJ): Why did you decide to introduce Jaws to Jacob now?

Dave: We saw it available on Netflix and wondered if Jacob would be “ready” to watch it, knowing it’s a bit scary, but also a fun movie.

TDJ: How was the viewing experience? 

Dave: Jacob was nervous about watching – because he thought there would be loads of sharks in it and it might be scary. 

TDJ: What did he enjoy about the film? 

Dave: He said it was exciting in places – particularly the build up to shark attacks and when the shark was in it. 

TDJ: What didn't he like? 

Dave: He found some of the talky scenes a bit boring – the family scenes in Amity didn’t seem to interest him. I think when you are younger you love it for the shark scenes, but when you are older you appreciate the dialogue and characters more. 

TDJ: What scene did they jump at or were scared at the most? 

Dave: Ben Gardner’s head – he leapt up off the sofa!

TDJ: Any favourite scenes or moments for him? 

Dave: Hooper in the cage was really exciting when the shark attacked, Brody chumming when the shark appears and the beach shark attack (Alex Kintner). He also enjoyed the scene with the Amity pranksters and their cardboard fin, where they nearly got shot.

TDJ: Which of the main characters of Hooper, Quint and Brody did you think Jacob identified with most? 

Dave: Brody. 

TDJ: How did he feel about the shark? 

Dave: He was a bit worried for the shark, as he knows that sharks are endangered. 

TDJ: Did he like the music? 

Dave: Yes – it made it exciting to know the shark was there. 

TDJ: Was the viewing experience different for you watching it with Jacob? For example did the fates of Michael Brody and Alex Kintner have a greater impact? 

Dave: To be honest I probably watched Jacob for his interest and reactions to the upcoming scenes. 

TDJ: Why do you think it is important to introduce classics such as Jaws to the next generation? 

Dave: At this age (Jacob is 8) I don’t think it matters – if it’s a good film, it’s a good film. Its place in history may be of interest later. He's already done Star Wars and I have Young Sherlock Holmes and Time Bandits ready for Jacob to watch – partly because I love those films, but also I genuinely think he will like them.

He really enjoyed The Wizard of Oz which is testament to what a timeless classic that is.

TDJ: Do you think Jaws has encouraged Jacob to find out more about sharks? 

Dave: He already has a shark encyclopaedia, so knew a fair bit (way more than I did when I first watched) hence his stance on conservation.

TDJ: What impact did Jaws have on you watching it for the first time?

Dave: It made me scared of water for months, maybe even years – I wouldn’t even go in the shower to start with.

I can’t remember the exact first time watching, but I do remember being scared of water and sharks and also that as Hooper and Brody swam back, I had expected the music to start up again and another shark fin appear in the foreground. I guess I loved a downbeat ending even back then.

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