A New Era
Before ‘Jaws’, Steven Spielberg burst onto the scene in the early 1970s alongside the likes of many renowned directors like Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Brian De Palma, and Francis Ford Coppola. They ushered in a new wave of storytelling and collectively became known as some of the notable faces of New Hollywood. These directors each contributed to the growth of Cinema in their respective genres, whether it was sprawling blockbusters and sci-fi epics, or gritty gangster films with stylized violence. Spielberg has never been constricted to a genre, but his ability to craft a blockbuster was unmatched in the latter half of the 20th century and is still one of the best working today. 50 years after it was released, ‘Jaws’ is still a timeless classic, a blockbuster that has stood the test of time and shaped the way Hollywood makes movies to this day – for better or for worse. ‘Jaws’ specifically defined what a summer blockbuster was and what it could be for future generations.
Things to do:
- Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here.
- Limited Time Offer – FREE Subscription to The Hollywood Insider
- Click here to read more on The Hollywood Insider’s vision, values and mission statement here – Media has the responsibility to better our world – The Hollywood Insider fully focuses on substance and meaningful entertainment, against gossip and scandal, by combining entertainment, education, and philanthropy.
After studios and executives realized they were sitting on a cash cow, the genres of action and adventure were promoted to varsity while serious, adult driven dramas began to get relegated to JV. Of course, these kinds of movies still get made today but not nearly as much, nor as good as they once were. Hollywood has seemingly lost the ability to create an environment where original blockbusters and dramas can thrive in an era stuffed to the brim with IP.
Blockbusters are mostly formulaic nowadays, (although there have been some great originals like ‘Sinners’ and ‘F1’) and they don’t have the energy of massive, event movies that we have seen in the preceding decades. Sequels have always been around (‘Jaws’ received multiple follow ups that Spielberg had no involvement), but they started to really take over mainstream Hollywood productions following this era. It ushered in some classics like ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Star Wars’ while changing what the movie landscape looked like over the next fifty years.
What Makes ‘Jaws’ So Special?
Spielberg’s direction and youthful energy make ‘Jaws’ a near-masterpiece, and it is arguably his best movie depending on what day of the week it is and if you haven’t seen ‘Jurassic Park’ in a while. He creates such masterful suspense and atmosphere in the small beach community (shot on Martha’s Vineyard), making you feel a certain way for characters in each scene, hoping that the shark isn’t about to poke its head around the corner and pounce. He subverts the audience multiple times, whether it be a woman being dragged under water by her boyfriend and making it look like a shark pulling her under, or a group of kids pulling a prank by wearing a fake shark fin on his head and swimming near people in the water.
WATCH THE TRAILER of the Film and the Revolution: ‘Can I Go Home Now?’
The Children Around the World Continue to Ask the question
Let’s not forget how much of ‘Jaws’ takes place on the water. Boats would often come into frame and ruin a shot while cameras got wet (thank God for waterproof technology today). Spielberg has also stated that the mechanical shark caused great problems for the crew, for it took over a dozen people to control on set. Actors were often at each other’s throats on set (Shaw and Dreyfuss did not get along), or they disappeared for extended periods of binge drinking. With all the issues that arose on set, the movie somehow came together into something miraculous. The script was able to be refined during these delays, and Spielberg was able to get more footage that would add suspense without necessarily revealing the shark.
An Acting Masterclass
It’s impossible to see anyone but Roy Scheider in the role of Chief Brody. His screen presence and ability to shape his face into certain emotions at any moment throughout ‘Jaws’ reminds us that he’s not just an actor who would appear in blockbusters but a true, dramatic one. A scene at the dinner table with his son shows us his playful and loving side while another one on the boat reveals what he’s like when he’s scared and on the verge of dying. Brody seems to be at odds with someone in every scene, whether it be the mayor and residents of Amity Island, or Quint after he destroys the radio, but he never completely shows his frustration or anger. Well, not until his child comes close to death. Scheider flips a switch here and pours his emotion onto the screen. He finds self-respect and finally stands up to the man who put business over human life.
Related article: Why Queen Elizabeth II Is One Of The Greatest Monarchs | Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of United Queendom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland (Video Insight)
Related article: – Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY
Related article: Box Office Breakouts: The 2025 Films Dominating Theaters – Hollywood Insider
Despite Scheider’s genius, Richard Dreyfuss‘s Hooper is the guy who brings ‘Jaws’ full circle. He pairs so nicely with Brody’s contained manner, Quindt’s (Robert Shaw) madness, and the overall lunacy of the mayor and his staff. He’s level-headed (well, for the most part) and makes sure proper action is taken to counter this threat. The residents would have gone about their lives (which probably would’ve been short lived) if he and Brody hadn’t cut open the tiger shark’s stomach to find that it wasn’t the culprit. Brody wouldn’t have killed the shark had Hooper not brought all of his advanced gear on board. Dreyfuss plays the role of a scientist like a typical “smarter than you” guy, but he does it with hints of anger and aggressiveness. He doesn’t want to be shot down and doesn’t like being considered just this nerd who knows a ton about sharks. There wouldn’t be a town without Hooper, and there wouldn’t be a ‘Jaws’ without Dreyfuss.
By Aidan Reidy
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
More Interesting Stories From The Hollywood Insider
– Want GUARANTEED SUCCESS? Remove these ten words from your vocabulary| Transform your life INSTANTLY
– A Tribute to Martin Scorsese: A Complete Analysis of the Life and Career of the Man Who Lives and Breathes Cinema
– Do you know the hidden messages in ‘Call Me By Your Name’? Find out behind the scenes facts in the full commentary and In-depth analysis of the cinematic masterpiece
– A Tribute To The Academy Awards: All Best Actor/Actress Speeches From The Beginning Of Oscars 1929-2019 | From Rami Malek, Leonardo DiCaprio To Denzel Washington, Halle Berry & Beyond | From Olivia Colman, Meryl Streep To Bette Davis & Beyond
– In the 32nd Year Of His Career, Keanu Reeves’ Face Continues To Reign After Launching Movies Earning Over $4.3 Billion In Total – “John Wick”, “Toy Story 4”, “Matrix”, And Many More
Aidan Reidy is a writer who’s currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in motion pictures screenwriting at the University of Miami. He is passionate about the entertainment industry and enjoys watching most genres. He is interested in every aspect of filmmaking ranging from technical aspects like editing and sound mixing to acting and directing styles. Hollywood Insider’s commitment to substance-filled articles rather than gossip columns attracted him to the website, creating an enjoyable environment for him to write in and aligning with his personal values, as well.
Aidan Reidy is a writer who’s currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in motion pictures screenwriting at the University of Miami. He is passionate about the entertainment industry and enjoys watching most genres. He is interested in every aspect of filmmaking ranging from technical aspects like editing and sound mixing to acting and directing styles. Hollywood Insider’s commitment to substance-filled articles rather than gossip columns attracted him to the website, creating an enjoyable environment for him to write in and aligning with his personal values, as well.
