Review of Jaws (1975) by Googolendtimes — 31 Dec 2014
"Jaws" is a mixed bag. Spielberg's direction is excellent and shows the immense talent he would later put to use in iconic blockbuster and genre opuses that would define a new generation of filmmaking.
But he is let down, and the skilled cast (Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw in particular) are let down by a poorly paced, unnecessarily protracted, repetitive story which is extended not to the effect of building suspense but dismantling it and diluting all that its effective about the film - its directing, its acting, its photography, its visual style, its score.
There is promise and there are parts of the film which are great, which made me sit up and take notice. The final quarter of the film is bloodcurdling and unforgettable. There is no denying the lasting cultural impact of "Jaws".
It's a film beloved by many. But not by me, as much as I wanted to embrace it. It felt like a chore to watch in the end.
This review of Jaws (1975) was written by Googolendtimes on 31 Dec 2014.
Jaws has generally received very positive reviews.
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