Jaws (1975)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Jaws is a 1975 thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the 1974 novel by Peter Benchley. The film stars Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Lorraine Gary. Set in the fictional beach town of Amity Island, the story follows the efforts of a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and a professional shark hunter to protect the town from a man-eating great white shark.

The Story Unfolds

The First Attack

The film opens with a young woman named Chrissie going for a midnight swim. She is suddenly attacked and killed by an unseen force. Her remains are found washed up on the shore, leading to an investigation by Police Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider). The medical examiner confirms that the cause of death is a shark attack, but Mayor Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) and the town council downplay the danger to avoid scaring off tourists.

Growing Danger

Despite Brody’s efforts to close the beaches, the town officials insist on keeping them open for the busy Fourth of July weekend. The shark strikes again, killing a young boy named Alex Kintner. His mother offers a reward for the shark’s capture, prompting a frenzy among amateur fishermen. Local fisherman and shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw) offers his services for $10,000, but the town initially declines.

The Climax and Resolution

The Hunt Begins

Marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) arrives to examine the remains and confirms Brody’s fears that they are dealing with a large great white shark. Hooper and Brody go out on a boat to search for the shark, discovering a sunken boat with the remains of a fisherman and a massive shark tooth. The next day, the shark attacks again, causing panic among the beachgoers.

Final Confrontation

Realizing the severity of the threat, Brody, Hooper, and Quint set out on Quint’s boat, the Orca, to hunt the shark. The shark proves to be more cunning and powerful than anticipated, leading to a series of intense and dangerous encounters. In the film’s climactic battle, Quint is killed by the shark, Hooper hides in a shark cage but manages to survive, and Brody ultimately kills the shark by shooting a pressurized scuba tank lodged in its mouth, causing it to explode.

The Conclusion

Aftermath

The film concludes with Brody and Hooper swimming back to shore, having successfully eliminated the threat. The final scenes emphasize the relief and resolution after the intense and terrifying ordeal, highlighting themes of courage and survival.

Movie Ending

Jaws ends with the death of the great white shark, bringing safety back to Amity Island. Brody and Hooper return to shore, exhausted but triumphant, having saved the town from the deadly predator.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Jaws.

Type of Movie

Jaws is a thriller and horror film that combines elements of adventure, drama, and suspense, focusing on themes of fear, survival, and the clash between man and nature.

Cast

• Roy Scheider as Police Chief Martin Brody
• Robert Shaw as Quint
• Richard Dreyfuss as Matt Hooper
• Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody
• Murray Hamilton as Mayor Larry Vaughn

Film Music and Composer

The film’s iconic score was composed by John Williams, whose suspenseful and foreboding music, particularly the famous two-note shark theme, has become synonymous with the film and is widely regarded as one of the greatest movie scores of all time.

Filming Locations

Jaws was filmed primarily on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, chosen for its shallow waters and small-town feel, which contributed to the film’s authentic seaside atmosphere.

Awards and Nominations

Jaws received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:

• Academy Awards: Won Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Sound. Nominated for Best Picture.
• Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Original Score. Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Robert Shaw).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The mechanical shark used in the film, nicknamed “Bruce,” frequently malfunctioned, leading Spielberg to rely more on suspense and suggestion rather than showing the shark outright, which ultimately enhanced the film’s tension and fear factor.
• Spielberg and the cast faced numerous challenges filming on the open ocean, including rough seas and logistical difficulties, which added to the film’s realism and authenticity.
• The film’s success established Spielberg as a leading director and helped create the concept of the summer blockbuster.

Inspirations and References

Jaws is based on Peter Benchley’s novel of the same name, which was inspired by real-life shark attacks and the story of a fisherman who hunted a large shark off the coast of Long Island. The film reflects broader themes of human versus nature and the fear of the unknown lurking beneath the surface.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of Jaws closely follows Spielberg’s vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Chrissie’s opening shark attack.
• The discovery of the remains of Alex Kintner.
• The shark attack during the Fourth of July weekend.
• The discovery of the sunken boat and the shark tooth.
• The final battle on the Orca and the shark’s dramatic death.

Iconic Quotes

• “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” – Brody
• “Here’s to swimmin’ with bow-legged women.” – Quint
• “Smile, you son of a bitch!” – Brody

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film includes subtle references to real-life shark behavior and marine biology, enhancing its authenticity.
• Spielberg’s use of underwater and point-of-view shots to represent the shark’s perspective adds to the suspense and tension.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately $9 million, and it grossed over $470 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of its time.
• Jaws was the first film to be released in over 400 theaters simultaneously, setting the standard for modern blockbuster releases.
• The iconic line “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” was ad-libbed by Roy Scheider and has since become one of the most famous movie quotes in cinema history.

Why Watch?

Jaws offers a masterful blend of suspense, action, and horror, featuring standout performances, particularly by Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw, and groundbreaking direction by Steven Spielberg. Its blend of thrilling narrative, iconic music, and innovative filmmaking techniques makes it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema and suspenseful thrillers.

Director’s Other Movies

Steven Spielberg also directed:

• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
• Jurassic Park (1993)
• Schindler’s List (1993)
• Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Shining (1980)
• Alien (1979)
• The Exorcist (1973)
• Poltergeist (1982)
• The Thing (1982)