Review of Jaws (1975) by Ellis B — 19 Jun 2018

The debut blockbuster, Jaws, invaded U.S cinemas forty years ago today. The PG rated, 124 minute fear factor feature adaptation novel immediately caught the film-going audiences in 75.

Universal's Jaws swallowed instant success at the box-office, with $260,000,000 unadjusted domestic gross and a staggering $1,173,202,000 adjusted domestic gross.

Possibly the most well constructed horror story in cinematic history, having the actual Great White appear just over half way into the motion picture. Its dooming presence is established in the opening sequence as it takes the life of Susan Backlinie.

All three characters are perfectly set-up and have well balanced screentime. Captain Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) is Amity's police chief, and he is the one who reacts in the same way audience do, petfrified of the waters and concerned for the people of Amity Island. We genuinely feel sympathy for him when he is publicly shamed by Mrs. Kintner from the loss of her child, blaming Brody for his death. This brings us to the character Larry Vaughn, the Mayor of Amity Island and pressures Brody to keep the beaches open for the 4th July, ending in disaster as Micheal Brody ends up hospital from the shock of seeing a man eaten by the shark. Then there is Quint (Robert Shaw), the intimidating but comedic with his witty lines such as, "Half assed astronaut" to Hooper and "I saw one eat a rocking chair once." The man ex-navy marine has a good heart and has a hatred for sharks. My favourite character is next, Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), the witty scientist is the perfect example of a well rounded person. As he is the shark expert and bring fear into the audience as we see him terrified of the aftermath of Susan Backlinie. The chemistry of all three characters really come together when they are on the Orca and are hunting the killing machine. Especially the chemistry between Hooper and Quint butting heads of old vs new theme. But, then bonding when sharing scars from past shark attacks and all three men singing together.

The direction Spielberg chooses to go is without question perfect with the pacing not being too slow or too fast. The gradual build of tension throughout the motion picture pays off with the final battle with Brody and the man eating shark.

Of course the score has to be mentioned with the great John Williams orchestrating it. Probably the most known theme in cinema, the film wouldn't be the same without the intensifying and sinister tone. It supports the film perfectly whenever the shark was on and off the camera.

Overall Jaws is in my top five of Spielberg's filmography. The classic blockbuster will always be remembered as a monument in the horror genre.