Jaws (1975)

10/10.  A masterclass of nautical horror and storytelling *MINOR SPOILERS*

Jaws is a classic thriller film (1975) directed by Steven Spielberg, based on the novel by Peter Benchley.

An unfortunate woman’s half chewed remains are discovered on Amity Island beach, following an ill-advised late night swim. New Police Chief, Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), closes the beaches because of the suspected shark attack. Mayor Vaughn (Murray Hamilton), and the townspeople, protest as the town relies on summer visitor income, but following a further incident panic ensues, and the Town places a bounty on the man-eating shark. Brody signs up to the hunt with enthusiastic marine biologist Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss), and professional maniac and shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw), who offers to capture the beast for a hearty $10,000. Once aboard Quint’s boat, the Orca, the crew try various methods to bait and catch the Great White shark, who becomes deeply irritated, leading to a sea battle where not everyone survives…

There are many classic horror characters from the 1970s/80s and Jaws joins this list as one of the most effective. Since first seeing Jaws, I’ve been terrified of sharks. I’ve stared into those dead eyes on the Jaws ride at LA’s Universal Studios, 25 years ago.  A memory that’s always stayed with me. I never go in the sea, and I even fear he lurks in the murky deep end of every swimming pool…

Sharks are silent, ruthless, killing machines and unlike Freddy Kruger et al, they’re all real, if a little less fond of chomping humans than the film would indicate. They are mysterious creatures, and as Brody says, they could be 1000s of years old. 

Jaws is a masterclass of horror and storytelling. They kept the monster to glimpses until over halfway through the film, which is an effective tactic.  The girl dragged in the water by an unseen force at the start is chilling, and the film features the ominous and recognisable John Williams score, which heightens the foreboding throughout. You can see it’s a mechanical shark, but the special effects were impressive for the 1970s. 

Ellen Brody, the chief’s wife (Lorraine Gary), is a small, but warm role. Quint is the star of the show and the dynamic between the three shark pirates adds some much needed humour, as a break in the tension. The bonding session aboard the Orca is great and Quint’s USS Indianapolis story (based on the real 1945 incident) is terrifying, giving him backstory and motivation for the shark hunt.

If Jaws was filmed now, Quint would have had his own prequel film, no doubt. 

“You’re gonna to need a bigger boat.”