Review of Jaws (1975) by Sophie S — 29 May 2017

Audiences and film critics alike are fans of Spielberg's 1975 summer blockbuster Jaws. The illusive suspense of the killer shark haunting Amity Island paired with the terrifying genius of John Williams's soundtrack transports viewers into a summer vacation gone wrong. A timely thriller to kick off the swim, beach and vacation season, Spielberg struck a gold mine. With this film, theaters and film makers discovered a new market giving birth to the iconic summer blockbuster. American film has this beginning to thank for its long list of beloved summer hits including Back to the Future, The Dark Knight, Grease, Gremlins, Top Gun, Inception, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Ghostbusters and Toy Story 3.

Among having Jaws to thank for an abundant list of classic favorites, the film in it of itself hits all the marks. Spielberg's character development comes to a climax in the famous boat scene. The crux of Hooper, Brody and Gardner's understanding of each other is also a revelation to the audience at the same time. While Gardner is giving insight to his character through his anecdote about his encounters with sharks, the speech also serves as a building tension to finally seeing the shark that is the film's driving storyline. In total, this movie is as cinematically stunning, creative and enticing as it is entertaining.