The 1975 blockbuster hit “Jaws” continues to be popular almost 50 years after its initial release, but did you know these 15 making of Jaws facts?
The summer of 1975 marked the release of a film that permanently altered the cinematic landscape. “Jaws,” directed by Steven Spielberg, became a cultural phenomenon and set the standard for the modern-day blockbuster. With its gripping story, iconic score, and terrifying shark attacks, “Jaws” has captivated audiences for over four decades. But despite its widespread popularity, there are many fascinating facts about the movie that remain unknown to most people.
Here are 15 things you didn’t know about the making of Jaws:
1) Director Dilemma – Spielberg’s Lucky Break
When it came to choosing a director for the film, the studio had a few names in mind before settling on Steven Spielberg. Initially, they approached directors like Dick Richards and John Sturges, hoping to secure their talents. Fate had other plans, with Richards and Sturges both declining the opportunity. This paved the way for Steven Spielberg to turn “Jaws” into the legacy it is today.
2) Pre-Movie Popularity – The Novel That Started It All
Before the movie even hit the big screen, the novel penned by Peter Benchley had already captured the hearts of readers everywhere. It soared to the top of the best-seller lists, creating a buzz that couldn’t be ignored. Spielberg, always on the lookout for captivating stories, got his hands on the book and devoured it in one sitting. He instantly recognised the potential for an incredible film and wasted no time in bringing Benchley’s thrilling tale to life.
3) Underwater Obstacles – Technical Prop Difficulties
While filming the underwater scenes, Spielberg encountered a wave of technical challenges with the mechanical sharks. The crew experienced a headache due to malfunctions in the animatronic great whites. Frustrated by their constant issues, Spielberg affectionately referred to them as “the great white turds”. However, he overcame this challenge with a creative solution that undoubtedly improved the impact of “Jaws”. Spielberg limited the appearance of Bruce the shark, building suspense through the fear of the unseen and unknown.
4) Champion Composer – The Musical Making of Jaws
John Williams, the brilliant composer, is the mastermind behind the iconic ‘duunnn…dunnn…’ music. This spine-chilling score has taken its rightful place in cinematic history, captivating audiences worldwide. Williams’ exceptional talent and creativity earned him a well-deserved Academy Award for his remarkable work on ‘Jaws.’ His composition continues to be revered and imitated, a testament to its enduring impact. This theme tune became pivotal in the making of Jaws.
5) Incredible Improvisation – The Power of an Actor
Improvisation has led to some of the most memorable lines and scenes in film history. Take the infamous line from Midnight Cowboy: “I’m walking here” or the sword versus gun fight from “Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark”. Roy Schneider, who portrayed Martin Brody, spontaneously uttered the unforgettable phrase, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat”. This line added a though of authenticity to the character, enhancing the film’s immersive experience and solidifying its place in cinematic history.
6) Budget Buster – Delays and Perseverance
“Jaws” was initially budgeted at $3.5 million. Due to a series of setbacks and delays, the film’s budget skyrocketed to $7 million. While these seem like small numbers compared to recent releases, it was still a huge risk. Fortunately, “Jaws” proved to be a hit, thanks to the perseverance of the cast and crew.
7) Bruce the Shark – The Literal Making of Jaws
The notorious shark from “Jaws” received the endearing moniker Bruce, a name inspired by Spielberg’s attorney, Bruce Ramer. It’s not every day that you have a fearsome creature named after you! This was a great way to pay homage to someone who played a significant role behind the scenes. The filmmakers of ‘Finding Nemo’ also chose to name the main shark Bruce as a nod to ‘Jaws.’ This name serves as a tribute to the shark character in ‘Jaws,’ another film that featured the name Bruce.
8) Marketing Milestone – The New Way to Advertise
When “Jaws” hit the big screen, it brought with it a wave of marketing innovation. It was one of the first movies to unleash a massive campaign, using extensive outdoor advertising and tie-in merchandise. This groundbreaking approach turned “Jaws” into a box-office sensation. From billboards to t-shirts, the movie was everywhere, creating a buzz like never before. It was a game-changer in the world of film marketing, setting the stage for future blockbusters.
9) Local Participation – It Takes a Village
While Amity Island may be a fictional place, the magic of movie-making brought it to life on the picturesque shores of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. During the making of Jaws, the locals became part of the film, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the story. Imagine being a resident of Martha’s Vineyard and suddenly finding yourself rubbing shoulders with the likes of Spielberg and the cast of “Jaws”.
10) Spielberg’s Regrets – The Making of Jaws process
While “Jaws” was a resounding success, Spielberg is a perfectionist. After the making of Jaws, there were several things that he wanted to refine and enhance. One of the core aspects was the depiction of the shark.
11) Actor Hesitation – The Almost Missed Chance
Initially, Richard Dreyfuss declined the role of Matt Hooper, the esteemed marine biologist. However, he had a change of heart when he revisited the script and recognised its extraordinary potential. He quickly realised that he couldn’t pass up this amazing chance.
12) Paint the Town Red – Dodging R Ratings
“Jaws” was at the risk of earning an R rating, which would have severely restricted its viewership. In a stroke of genius, Spielberg came up with the idea of substituting red paint for blood during the merciless shark attack scenes. This decision undoubtedly prevented ‘Jaws’ from being overlooked.
13) Moby-Dick Mash-Up – Inspiration from Literature
Robert Shaw’s portrayal of Quint in the film “Jaws” drew inspiration from a fearsome creature found within the pages of Herman Melville’s renowned novel ‘Moby-Dick.’ With his rugged demeanour and captivating performance, Shaw brought to life a character that echoed the monstrous nature of the literary beast.
14) Shark Scare – A Thing of Nightmares
One of the most memorable moments in “Jaws” was the infamous ‘head popping’ scene, which sent shockwaves through the theatre. As the destroyed shark carcass unexpectedly emerged from the depths, viewers were caught off guard. A chorus of screams rang out in the cinema, with several people literally jumping out of their seats. This spine-tingling sequence showcased the film’s ability to create suspense and deliver heart-stopping surprises.
15) Deadline Delivery – A Close Call During the Making of Jaws
The making of Jaws came with its fair share of challenges during production, including financial constraints that threatened to delay its release. However, director Steven Spielberg, along with the film’s dedicated editors Verna Fields and Verna Fields, tirelessly worked to complete the movie in time for its iconic summer debut. Their unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts allowed “Jaws” to overcome obstacles and become the timeless classic that it is today.
The combination of Spielberg’s directorial prowess and groundbreaking special effects brought a new level of realism to the big screen. Bruce the mechanical shark became an unforgettable character in its own right. By understanding the behind-the-scenes story, fans of “Jaws” can further appreciate this classic masterpiece and the rich history behind the film’s legacy.
Did you know any of these already? When was the last time you watched Jaws? Follow us for more entertainment trivia.