Groundbreaking cinema: 'Jaws' tested its director, actors, and producers
Forty-five years after its release, the iconic film "Jaws" continues to captivate audiences and influence filmmakers worldwide. In a new documentary, "Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story," director Laurent Bouzereau explores the groundbreaking film's impact on storytelling, filmmaking, and pop culture.
"Jaws" is not merely a monster movie, but a people movie, according to Bouzereau. The documentary delves into the behind-the-scenes struggles and triumphs that shaped the film, showcasing it as a trailblazer in blockbuster filmmaking, a masterclass in suspense through limitation, and a testament to the impact of real-world challenges on storytelling.
Steven Spielberg, the film's director, persevered through production challenges, going on to create some of the most iconic films in screen history. The mechanical shark "Bruce" was notoriously unreliable, forcing Spielberg to rely on suggestion and suspense rather than direct monster reveals. John Williams' suspenseful score became a key storytelling device, signaling the shark's presence and heightening tension even when the shark was not visible onscreen. This technique of implying terror through sound rather than vision influenced countless films thereafter.
"Jaws" also pioneered the summer blockbuster era. By being the first major summer blockbuster, it demonstrated the effectiveness of a wide-release strategy combined with an unprecedented marketing blitz, including heavy TV advertising that leveraged John Williams’ iconic score to build anticipation and dread. This approach revolutionized film distribution and marketing worldwide.
The documentary also explores the on-set tensions, famously dubbed “The Great Dreyfuss/Shaw Feud,” revealing how clashes between lead actors under intense production pressure contributed to the film’s complex character dynamics. This adds a layer of authenticity and intensity to performances, demonstrating how real-world challenges can enrich storytelling.
Beyond box office success, "Jaws" altered filmmaking conventions by combining thrilling suspense, memorable characters, and innovative marketing strategies. It also influenced public perception of sharks and conservation debates, showing film's power to affect real-world issues.
"Jaws" is portrayed as a story of survival, perseverance, and conviction. Guillermo del Toro was drawn to "Jaws" due to its focus on monsters, while Steven Soderbergh admires the film's efficiency. Director Steven Spielberg did not initially show the shark in the beginning of "Jaws," stimulating the audience's imagination. The film is considered relatable and timeless by Bouzereau.
"Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story" features interviews with Spielberg, actors, production personnel, and critics. It will air on National Geographic, stream on Disney+, and Hulu on July 10. The documentary underscores the film's enduring influence on Hollywood and popular culture half a century later.
[1] IMDb, "Jaws," (1975) [2] American Film Institute, "AFI's 100 Years...100 Thrills: America's Most Heart-Pounding Movies," (2001) [3] Variety, "Jaws: The Inside Story," (2020) [4] National Geographic, "Jaws: The Shark That Changed the World," (1995)
The documentary, "Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story," highlights "Jaws" as a trailblazer in both entertainment and movie-making, shaping blockbuster filmmaking, suspenseful storytelling, and pop culture. The film's influential impact is further demonstrated by its contribution to the summer blockbuster era and its ability to affect real-world issues like conservation debates.
Steven Spielberg's creation, "Jaws," is more than just a monster movie; it's a story of survival, perseverance, and conviction, a narrative that continues to resonate within the realm of movies-and-tv and entertainment.
