Jaws, My First Time: Sophie, 28
Lockdown has meant people enjoying all sorts of media that they perhaps haven't got round to watching before. All which means Jaws has been finding a whole new audience, some may be children being introduced to it by their parents or others, grown adults who have decided to take the plunge after all these years.
Our first viewing victim' is Sophie from Cambridge in the UK, who swapped taking a punt on the river for a bigger boat and taking a punt on watching Jaws for the very first time at the age of 28.
The Daily Jaws (TDJ) caught up with her online fresh from her first viewing of the Steven Spielberg classic to find out what she thought of the 1975 thriller.
TDJ: Why has it taken so long to watch Jaws?
Sophie: I really have no idea - I used to watch a lot of films with my dad, especially when I was a kid and it's a fairly gory and scary film so it probably never featured on our watch list!
TDJ: What elements were you familiar with before seeing it?
Sophie: There were several things that I spotted which I have seen referenced in modern pop culture, such as the "You're gonna need a bigger boat" memes that have been created using this quote. So it's great to connect the dots.
TDJ: What did you enjoy about the film?
Sophie: I loved the score. John Williams always gives the audience a licence to feel excited and to enjoy the action in the film. I watched the Indiana Jones and Star Wars movies as a kid with my dad and it brought back happy memories. John Williams is a legend.
I love that it had the 1970s charm (being of its time) but that it still doesn't feel dated. The suspense and horror is done really well too.
TDJ: What didn't you like?
Sophie: I would've liked things wrapped up a bit more maybe... I wanted to hear the reactions of Mrs Brody and the Mayor. I think the way they ended the film was good but it left me wanting to know more. I guess it's good there are sequels, right?
TDJ: What scene did you jump at or were scared at the most?
Sophie: When Hooper went diving while drunk and saw that dead man with his eye missing! (Ben Gardner - TDJ).
TDJ: Any favourite scenes or moments?
Sophie: When they hired Quint and went out together to catch the shark - the characters played off one another nicely and I enjoyed all of their scenes on the boat together.
TDJ: Did you have a favourite character?
Sophie: Hooper - I always side with scientists.
TDJ: Which of the main characters of Hooper, Quint and Brody did you think you identified with most?
Sophie: Probably Brody - a family person, who cares a lot and wants to do the right thing - and is also a bit of a scaredy cat but pushes himself to do the right thing despite his nerves.
TDJ: How did you feel about the shark?
Sophie: I thought his death was pretty spectacular and I think a shark of that calibre (if he is to be killed) deserves to go out with a bang.
TDJ: Which death had the biggest impact and why?
Sophie: Definitely old Sharky Boy. His death meant safety and was the climax of the entire film, and what a way to go as well!
If we're talking human death, I would say Alex Kintner - children are always emotive in films, and I hate to see the parents so upset!
TDJ: What surprised you most about the film?
Sophie: How well it has aged! The effects in the film are great, I didn't have one moment in the film where I thought "this is sooooo old".
TDJ: How do you think it holds up for a film 45 years old this year?
Sophie: Incredibly well! Would watch again!
