Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss
‘A Jaw-Dropping Horror Classic’
Sharks are scary creatures that have always terrified me. Ever since I was a child, I have been scared of creatures that are wild. At an early age, I became terrified of stepping foot into waters that posed damage. Swimming is one of those activities I never found appealing. Despite my parents’ insistence, I would often refuse to step foot into waters. I always had a nerve-wracking feeling that something dangerous was lurking in the seas that would end up eating me. Ever since childhood, I have been afraid of visiting beaches where there’s a high likelihood of running into sharks. I’ve realized over the years that horror movies have caused these irrational fears. My fear of sharks began when I watched Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” for the first time.
When it comes to the greatest movies ever made without any flaws, it’s worth discussing “Jaws”. Released in 1975, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood the test of time as a horror masterpiece. A jaw-dropping achievement, it was the first ever summer blockbuster that has become a phenomenal piece of entertainment. Boasting breathtaking visuals, sharp storytelling and phenomenal performances, it’s one of the best horror movies ever made. Spielberg’s movie left a lasting impression on movie-goers by making them afraid to enter waters. For a movie produced during the 1970’s, “Jaws” has aged incredibly well over time. Unlike most movies of the era, it’s a classic doesn’t at all feel outdated or a movie that was of its time. Ultimately, it delivers a strong message that would resonate with everyone facing fear of waters at an early age.
Set on an isolated island, “Jaws” tells the story of a community with flaws that’s terrorized by sharks with sharp jaws. Roy Scheider embodies Martin Brody, an anxiety-ridden police chief that’s tasked with taking care of citizens on a beach. Brody has always found enjoyment in doing a job that secures his community’s safety. However, Brody’s attitude changes when his community is attacked by sharks with sharp jaws putting lives in danger. Assisted by a specialist (Richard Dreyfuss), Brody embarks upon an adventurous journey to catch a shark that’s dangerous. Facing a dilemma, Brody questions whether he’ll be able to stop a shark causing trauma.
Steven Spielberg is fascinated with man-eating creatures. Spielberg has spent his illustrious career making movies about creatures that inspire fear. His iconic film “Jurassic Park” examined the terror caused by dark dinosaurs with a spark that destroy a theme park. With “Jaws”, however, Spielberg crafted his first shark blockbuster. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture sharks with sharp jaws posing danger in a summer blockbuster, but he succeeded. Through captivating cinematography, Spielberg captures an anxiety-ridden police chief’s journey protecting his island from a shark causing catastrophe. One of the common trademarks found in every Spielberg movie is ‘The Spielberg face’. In this technique, a character typically gazes at the camera with a significant reaction of astonishment, shock or wonder. Spielberg effectively uses this technique in “Jaws” to capture a community shocked to see sharks with sharp jaws. For instance, this technique elevates the shark attack. scene. During this sequence, the camera does a dolly zoom onto Martin’s shocked reaction to sharks for the first time on the beach. Using captivating visuals, Spielberg captures the tensions faced by a community reacting to sharks that are terrifying.
Another admirable aspect that makes “Jaws” a classic is the production-design. For a movie made in the 1970’s, the production-design of the film is incredibly impressive. Visually, the production is a feast for the eyes as stunning as islands sharks seek to terrorize. Spielberg’s decisions to shoot the film on a real-life boat doomed to face destruction was risky at the time. However, it paid off tremendously. The real-life boats lend a sense of terror to the movie missing from most horror films. For instance, the boats are effectively used to build tension in the bigger boat scene. During this iconic scene, Captain Brody reacts with fear when he narrowly avoids being bitten by a shark on the boat coming out of nowhere. One admires the production-design of the boat that creates unbearable tension. Moreover, the musical score is another aspect of “Jaws” I absolutely adore. John Williams’ suspenseful score is a key reason why the movie is so successful. The music builds nerve-wracking tension by signalling to the viewer the arrival of sharks putting lives in danger. Through jaw-dropping production, Spielberg captures a dangerous shark causing destruction.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Jaws” is a horror classic that’s terrifying. Amidst the thrilling shark action, the film finds time to tell a story that’s compelling. Spielberg’s screenwriting strength is his ability to hint at frightening dangers that a community on an island is facing through foreshadowing. Spielberg has always excelled at using foreshadowing in his movies to engage viewers, and “Jaws” is no exception. Throughout the movie, Spielberg often uses subtle clues or events that signal incoming danger to the viewer. Whether it’s the dialogue spoken by characters or subtle visual cues, Spielberg uses foreshadowing to signal dangers that are approaching characters in the future. Through ingenious foreshadowing, Spielberg creates compelling characters audiences can relate to. Foreshadowing is tricky. As Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” suggested, foreshadowing elevates horror movies about isolation. Nevertheless, it succeeds. Through a spellbinding screenplay, Spielberg created a classic film that remains frightening today.
One appreciates astonishing performances. “Jaws” launched the careers of several iconic actors today.
Roy Scheider delivers an unforgettable performance as Brody. Before making “Jaws”, Scheider had never starred in a horror movie. It marked the actor’s first foray into the horror genre. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a police chief taking care of an island facing shark catastrophe, but he succeeded. With mesmerizing expressions, Scheider captures the angst, fear and determination of a police chief driven to protect his island from sharks that are frightening. Scheider excels at creating a compelling hero whom audiences can easily relate to. It’s a phenomenal performance that launched the career of an iconic movie-star today.
The supporting cast is spectacular, building sharp bonds together. Richard Dreyfuss is remarkable, capturing intelligence of a sharp specialist with perseverance that draws from real-life experience to stop a sharp causing disturbance. Robert Shaw is spectacular, capturing the raw emotions of an alcoholic sailor without a flaw that is willing to break the law to catch a shark leaving people gaping in awe. Lastly, Lorraine Gary merits appreciation. As Brody’s concerned wife, she brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Jaws” will earn a round of applause from everyone because of its powerful message about the importance of laws. Unlike most movies about man-eating sharks, the film’s themes are universally appealing. The film tackles universal themes including anxiety, mental health and survival. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of sharks to appreciate the movie. It delivers a universal message that would engage everyone that has developed a fear of waters at an early age. Therefore, “Jaws” is one of those rare horror movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Steven Spielberg will definitely appreciate “Jaws” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A jaw-dropping achievement, it remains one of the best movies ever made that’s an iconic piece of entertainment.
Nearly 40 years after the release of an iconic classic about sharks with sharp jaws seeking to break laws, it’s a powerful reminder about a groundbreaking film that forever changed the world through painting a powerful portrait of a community with flaws produced by one of the world’s greatest filmmakers whose memorable movies definitely deserve a loud round of applause.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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