Jaws (1975)

Introduction

Released in 1975, Jaws is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and it has had an enduring impact on both the thriller and horror genres. Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel of the same name, Jaws is the quintessential summer blockbuster. It is a film that combines suspense, character development, and the mastery of cinematic technique to create an unforgettable viewing experience. It was not only a massive commercial success but also a cultural phenomenon that redefined the Hollywood film industry, introducing audiences to the concept of the "summer blockbuster" and changing the landscape of cinema forever. It also helped establish Steven Spielberg as one of the leading filmmakers of his generation.

At its core, Jaws is a story about a small beach town being terrorised by a giant great white shark, but it is also a film that is about much more than that. It explores themes of fear, courage, community, and the unpredictable nature of nature itself. In this review, we’ll explore the film’s plot, performances, direction, cinematography, themes, and legacy in detail.

Plot Summary

The film is set in the fictional coastal town of Amity Island, a popular summer tourist destination. The story begins with a terrifying attack on a young woman named Chrissie (Susan Backlinie), who is swimming late at night. The next day, a fisherman discovers her dismembered body, and local police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) suspects that a shark might be responsible. However, with the town’s economy relying on the summer tourist season, the local mayor, Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton), is reluctant to close the beaches. As more attacks occur, the danger becomes undeniable.

Brody, who is terrified of the water due to a traumatic past, insists on hiring a shark hunter. Enter Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), a marine biologist who specialises in sharks. Hooper, along with Brody and the local fisherman Quint (Robert Shaw), team up to hunt down the shark, which has grown larger and more aggressive over time. The trio embarks on a perilous journey out to sea, where they must face the deadly creature in a final showdown.

The tension and suspense build relentlessly as the shark’s presence looms over the characters, and the film's climactic battle is as much a battle of wits and will as it is a literal fight for survival. What is particularly striking about Jaws is that, despite its premise involving a massive, dangerous creature, it is the psychological aspect of fear that is the real driving force behind the story. The fear of the unknown, the terror of nature’s power, and the fragility of human life all come into play as Brody, Hooper, and Quint confront the shark on their terms.

Direction and Cinematography

Steven Spielberg’s direction in Jaws is nothing short of masterful. From the opening scene, Spielberg creates a sense of tension and dread that slowly builds throughout the film. One of the key elements that makes Jaws so effective is Spielberg’s brilliant use of suspense. He knows how to draw out moments of anticipation before delivering a shock. The fact that the shark is often unseen for much of the film only amplifies this tension—Spielberg wisely uses the unseen presence of the shark to create a sense of unease and paranoia, allowing the audience’s imagination to fill in the blanks. This decision was made out of necessity, as the mechanical shark famously malfunctioned during filming, but it turned out to be a stroke of genius. The film’s greatest moments come when the shark is only hinted at or when it’s just barely glimpsed, allowing Spielberg to build fear with a more minimalist, psychological approach.

Spielberg’s ability to create mood and atmosphere is complemented by his use of cinematography. The film's visuals are iconic, with many shots—such as the shark’s first appearance, or the haunting underwater scenes—becoming etched into the minds of viewers. Cinematographer Bill Butler’s work with lighting and underwater shots was revolutionary at the time. The film’s colour palette, primarily filled with shades of blue, green, and white, reinforces the film’s aquatic setting and contributes to the sense of isolation and danger lurking beneath the surface.

Another standout visual moment is the famous scene where Brody, standing on the deck of the boat, looks out to sea, knowing that the shark is coming for them. The camera lingers on Brody’s face, allowing Scheider’s expression of quiet terror to convey the true depth of his fear. It’s an example of Spielberg’s keen understanding of character and atmosphere, and how powerful the simplest shots can be in creating tension.

Spielberg also employs sound brilliantly throughout the film. The iconic two-note motif by composer John Williams, which signals the shark’s approach, is instantly recognisable and becomes synonymous with impending doom. The simple but highly effective score is a masterclass in how music can heighten suspense and emotion. It’s a constant reminder that the shark is never too far away, and it underscores the primal fear that permeates the entire film.

Performances

The performances in Jaws are one of the key reasons why the film has remained so impactful. While the shark is central to the plot, the emotional core of the film lies in the interactions between its human characters, and the actors bring depth and humanity to their roles.

Roy Scheider, as Martin Brody, delivers an excellent performance as the reluctant hero. Brody is not a typical action protagonist; he’s a man who is deeply afraid of the water and is constantly questioning his ability to handle the crisis at hand. Scheider’s portrayal of Brody is one of vulnerability and quiet determination. As the film progresses, we see Brody evolve from a man who is unsure of himself to someone willing to face his fears head-on, even at great personal risk. Scheider’s ability to convey internal conflict and fear, while still maintaining a sense of authority and responsibility, is a central element of the film’s emotional power.

Richard Dreyfuss shines as Matt Hooper, the young, idealistic marine biologist. Dreyfuss injects a sense of humour and enthusiasm into the role, providing a contrast to Brody’s more serious nature. Hooper’s naivety and scientific curiosity often clash with Brody’s pragmatic approach, but Dreyfuss’s performance brings a sense of warmth and humour to the film, helping to create a dynamic between the characters that adds richness to the story.

Robert Shaw’s portrayal of Quint is one of the most memorable and complex characters in the film. Quint is a grizzled, war-hardened fisherman who has a deep personal vendetta against sharks. Shaw brings an intensity and menace to the role, but also moments of vulnerability that give Quint depth. His monologue about his experience during the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, one of the most haunting scenes in the film, provides insight into Quint’s motivations and adds emotional weight to his character. Shaw’s performance is raw, commanding, and one of the standout elements of the film.

The supporting cast, including Murray Hamilton as the town’s mayor, adds to the film’s sense of realism and stakes. Hamilton plays a man who is more concerned with the economic repercussions of closing the beaches than with the safety of the townspeople, and his character provides a foil to Brody’s moral integrity. The supporting characters, though not as prominent, flesh out the community of Amity Island and add layers to the film’s social commentary on fear, responsibility, and survival.

Themes and Symbolism

At its heart, Jaws is a film about fear—specifically, how fear can shape our actions, decisions, and relationships. The shark represents an external, primal force of nature that is both terrifying and mysterious. It embodies the unknown and the uncontrollable, forcing the characters to confront their deepest fears. The film examines how fear can paralyse people, as seen in the local government’s reluctance to close the beaches, but also how it can inspire courage and action, as seen in Brody’s eventual decision to confront the shark head-on.

The film also explores themes of man versus nature, with the shark serving as a symbol of the unpredictable and uncontrollable forces of the natural world. The characters, particularly Brody, are forced to acknowledge their vulnerability in the face of such a powerful force. This struggle against nature is a central element of the film, highlighting the tenuous relationship between humans and the natural world.

Another prominent theme in Jaws is the idea of community and the collective response to crisis. The film portrays a community under threat, where individuals must set aside their differences and work together to survive. Brody, Hooper, and Quint represent different aspects of this community—the rational, the scientific, and the instinctive—and together they must face the threat of the shark. The dynamic between the three characters is essential to the film’s narrative, providing a sense of unity in the face of fear and danger.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Upon its release, Jaws became an instant cultural phenomenon. It was the first film to gross over $100 million at the box office, and it set the standard for blockbuster film making. Its success changed the way Hollywood approached movie production, and it marked the beginning of the "summer blockbuster" era. The film’s influence on popular culture is immeasurable, from the iconic music to the countless imitations and homages it has inspired.

Jaws also had a significant impact on the thriller and horror genres. It helped to redefine what a summer film could be—combining elements of suspense, horror, and adventure while still appealing to a wide audience. Its impact on film making is also seen in how directors approach suspense and tension, with Spielberg’s careful pacing and use of unseen threat becoming a model for future films in the genre.

Final Thoughts

Jaws is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends its genre. It is a film that expertly blends suspense, character development, and thrilling action with deeper themes about fear, community, and the human condition. Spielberg’s direction, coupled with standout performances and unforgettable visuals, makes Jaws a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences. It is a film that has not only influenced generations of filmmakers but has also become ingrained in the cultural fabric of the 20th century, proving that sometimes the greatest threats are the ones we cannot see.