Jaws (1975)

You will never want to swim in the ocean again.

Duh-duh, duh-duh, duh-duh-duh-duh, duh-duh-duh-duh.

"It may be the most cheerfully perverse scare movie ever made. Even while you're convulsed with laughter you're still apprehensive, because the editing rhythms are very tricky, and the shock images loom up huge, right on top of you." - Pauline Kael

"Jaws," released in 1975, was a groundbreaking thriller movie. It was the first of its kind, an ocean-based film that set the precedent for major summer blockbusters. The movie's release strategy was unheard of for its time, with studios committing to huge advertising buyouts and national rollouts across all theatres, a departure from the slow, region-by-region rollouts that were common practice.

Director Steven Spielberg definitely faced significant challenges during the production. He had initially underestimated the difficulty of shooting a shark movie in the ocean. The film went a hundred days over its planned schedule and Spielberg was stressed to the point where he thought he would never direct another movie again.

Spielberg's original intention was to train live sharks for the film - an idea that soon proved impossible. The plan was then revised to include two mechanical sharks. However, these mechanical marvels were plagued with problems, resulting in only about four hours of usable footage from a typical twelve-hour shooting day. This led to the need for a creative solution - the start of the movie was shot without the shark.

This unplanned decision turned out to be a brilliant stroke of fortuitous serendipity. By merely suggesting the presence of the unseen shark, Spielberg managed to ramp up the tension to an almost unbearable level. The result was a palpable fear that echoed far beyond the cinema, causing a noticeable reduction in beach attendance as the public's newfound fear of sharks took hold.

Despite its production challenges, "Jaws" remains a testament to the power of suspense and the art of storytelling. I thoroughly recommend this movie - just not before any beach visits. This oceanic thriller will have you on the edge of your seat, redefining your relationship with the deep blue sea.



You should not watch Jaws (1975) if...

• You are under the age of 13. This movie has intense scenes and may not be suitable for children.
• You have a fear of water or sharks. The main antagonist of the movie is a shark.
• You prefer light-hearted or comedic movies. This movie is a classic thriller.
• Graphic violence or hunting scenes disturb you. Jaws includes graphic shark attacks.

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with "Jaws," huh? I mean, you've got this giant shark terrorizing a small town and instead of moving away, they decide to send out three guys in a tiny boat! I mean, come on! That's like trying to fight a cat with a toothpick.

And the shark, he's just swimming around, minding his own business, and these guys are poking him with harpoons. If a guy poked me with a harpoon, I'd probably eat him too!

And then there's the famous line, "We're gonna need a bigger boat." How about a bigger plan? Maybe call in the Coast Guard?

Or, here's a crazy idea, don't swim in the shark-infested waters! It's a shark, not a magic trick; it's not going to suddenly appear in your bathtub!

People who loved this movie also loved...
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Connoisseurs of "Jaws" (1975) will appreciate "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) due to the similar elements of suspense, terror, and exceptional storytelling. Both films masterfully build tension and fear through their iconic villains - Jaws' monstrous shark and Silence's deranged serial killer. The protagonists in both films are also compelling and relatable, forced to confront their fears in order to overcome a deadly threat. Furthermore, like "Jaws," Silence of the Lambs is an expertly crafted film that has stood the test of time, with memorable performances, a gripping plot, and a chilling atmosphere.

Psycho (1960)

Both "Jaws" (1975) and "Psycho" (1960) are iconic suspense thrillers that revolutionized the film industry with their unique storytelling approach and innovative filmmaking techniques. They are crafted by two of the most influential directors of all time, Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock respectively. These films induce fear and tension not just through explicit horror but also through masterful use of suspense, music, and camera techniques. Both movies have memorable scores that intensify the suspense, and the unexpected twists keep audiences on the edge of their seats. So, if you love the intense, thrilling experience of "Jaws," you'll likely enjoy the similar psychological tension and suspense in Psycho.

Deep Blue Sea (1999):

If you enjoyed Jaws for its shark-based thrills, then Deep Blue Sea will certainly satisfy that craving. Featuring genetically modified, super-intelligent sharks, it's an action-packed, high-stakes survival movie directed by Renny Harlin. While it leans more towards the thrilling side rather than horror, it's a fantastic watch with some unexpected surprises.

The Shallows (2016):

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, The Shallows invites you to join Blake Lively in a thrilling game of survival against a great white shark. It captures the tension of being trapped in the sea with nowhere to turn to, much like Jaws but with a unique twist. The movie offers immersive cinematography and a riveting solo performance by Lively.

Open Water (2003):

Open Water is another great movie option for Jaws fans. Based on a true story, the movie centers around a couple left stranded in shark-infested waters after their scuba-diving expedition goes wrong. It's a psychologically intense movie that keeps the suspense and terror real, directed by Chris Kentis.

The Meg (2018):

Jon Turteltaub's The Meg is a fun, action-packed, and monstrous shark movie that fans of Jaws may enjoy. Starring Jason Statham as a former Naval captain and expert diver, the film explores an even bigger threat than the great white shark – a giant prehistoric megalodon. It's less on the horror side, but it definitely serves up entertaining sea creature chaos.

All Is Lost (2013):

Though not about sharks, All Is Lost, directed by J.C. Chandor, is a tense survival drama set on the sea, reminiscent of some elements in Jaws. Robert Redford delivers an almost-silent performance as his character fights for survival in the Indian Ocean, demonstrating human resilience when faced with insurmountable odds. It's a gripping watch, offering an intimate deep dive into the struggle against the ocean.

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