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Jaws (1975)

Rate: 10
Viewed: 1/04, 3/08, 6/20

Jaw1
3/08: Jaws is a bona fide all-star of horror pictures because it's that good and terrifying.

For over thirty years, I had been a vacationer at Beach Haven of Long Beach Island, New Jersey, so I knew all about the events that took place at the old Engleside Hotel. So, it's cool to associate the beach with the famous shark picture.

The casting of Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw can't have turned out better, and having Murray Hamilton is the more the merrier. His line is still a classic in politics: "I'm pleased and happy to repeat the news that we have, in fact, caught and killed a large predator that supposedly injured some bathers. But, as you see, it's a beautiful day, the beaches are open, and people are having a wonderful time. Amity, as you know, means 'friendship.'"

Of all the thespians, Robert Shaw is the best, and his character reminds me of Captain Ahab. To me, Roy Scheider's "smile, you son of a bitch!" is a more memorable line than "you're gonna need a bigger boat." If it wasn't for the success of Jaws, Steven Spielberg may never exist as we know him today because he took on an enormous amount of risk for the project which paid off handsomely well.

For an artificial shark, Bruce looks real. One of the best parts is delaying his revelation to create suspense although the title gives it away. I consider this move to be a crucial factor for the success of Jaws because most films like to show too much of the villain, especially early, thus ruining the suspense.

To be fair, the story is average, but having a master director in Steven Spielberg on board is the difference maker. It's like Scorsese directing an authentic New York gangster picture instead of a hack like...Wes Craven.

All in all, without Jaws, there's no Steven Spielberg.

6/20: Apart from setting the trend of summer blockbuster film releases, Jaws' greatest legacy is making people think of the shark whenever they go for a swim in the ocean.

There's a lot to like about Jaws. One is Bruce doesn't appear for a long time, easily building up the tension which is accompanied by John Williams' famous score. When the shark finally does, the action is ferocious and unpredictable. That's why the film is on the same level as Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho.

The second is the three stars: Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw. They're all outstanding, but it's the third who takes the film to another level with his superlative acting, especially when he has a nighttime drink and tells the story of the USS Indianapolis which did happen for real. Hence, Robert Shaw should've been rewarded with an Oscar nomination. I also have to give credit to Murray Hamilton who plays the ever-politician with "summer dollars" in mind.

Speaking of Oscars, Jaws received a nomination for Best Picture but not Best Director. How can that be? If they knew of the story and all the problems everybody had behind the scenes, it's amazing how Steven Spielberg was able to pull it off while making Bruce look real. Hence, he's the third reason why the film remains the gold standard of the genre. By the way, ever wonder why the boat is called Orca? It, a killer whale, is the only predator of great white sharks.

All in all, Jaws continues to thrill.