“Jaws” broke many film industry norms. Production was plagued by technical difficulties but, with Spielberg at the helm, “Jaws” became a huge blockbuster hit.
For years, the film industry has thrived on the anticipation of and excitement surrounding summer blockbusters. The term ‘blockbuster’ often refers to high-octane action films and superhero adventures, it was a gripping tale about a menacing shark that kickstarted this phenomenon. Steven Spielberg’s iconic film, Jaws, not only made waves in the industry but also revolutionised the way Hollywood approached summer releases. While streaming is set to overtake the box office, due to its convenience and selection, we can’t forget the historical influence of cinema within the film industry.
Released in 1975, Jaws takes us on a gripping journey through a quaint coastal town plagued by the menacing presence of a colossal great white shark. The discovery of a young woman’s lifeless body on the sandy shores of Amity Island prompts Police Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), to suspect a shark attack. However, the stubborn town mayor (Murray Hamilton), adamantly insists on keeping the beaches open for the upcoming 4th of July celebrations.
This ill-fated decision sets the stage for a series of horrifying attacks, ultimately leading to the recruitment of a seasoned shark hunter named Quint (Robert Shaw), and an insightful oceanographer named Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss). Together, this unlikely trio embarks on a heart-pounding quest to locate and eliminate the relentless predator. Cue an exhilarating and nerve-wracking battle of wits and survival between man and the formidable beast that lurks beneath the waves.
Jaws was inspired by Peter Benchley’s novel of the same name, which hit the shelves in 1974. This gripping book quickly became a sensation, captivating readers and securing a spot on the prestigious New York Times Best Seller list for a remarkable 44 weeks. Universal Pictures recognised its potential to become a cinematic masterpiece and wasted no time in snapping up the rights for $150,000. The project was entrusted to a budding director named Steven Spielberg, and the rest is history.
From the beginning, the production of Jaws was faced with a series of challenges. Perhaps the biggest hurdle was casting the perfect actors to portray the three main characters – Brody, Quint, and Hooper. While big names like Charlton Heston and Sterling Hayden were considered for the role of Brody, Spielberg had a different vision. He wanted someone relatable who could capture the essence of an ordinary person caught in an extraordinary situation. That’s when he decided to cast Scheider, a choice that would prove to be a stroke of genius.
As if the casting wasn’t difficult enough, the production team also had to deal with the notorious mechanical shark, affectionately named ‘Bruce’ by the crew. This terrifying beast was meant to be the star of the film, haunting the audience’s nightmares for decades to come. However, fate had other plans. Technical glitches and malfunctions plagued the shark, rendering it almost useless. Spielberg, ever the resourceful director, had to think on his feet and find creative workarounds. Surprisingly, this setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
The limited visibility of Bruce helped to build up suspense and create a sense of anticipation, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. When the shark finally made its grand entrance, it was a moment of pure terror that solidified Jaws’ status as a horror classic. Despite all the setbacks, Spielberg’s talent and determination shone through. Jaws became a cinematic masterpiece that would go on to break box office records and captivate audiences worldwide.
Jaws also faced budget overruns and a tight production schedule. The film was intended to be shot over 55 days, which soon stretched to a staggering 159 days. Due to this, the budget skyrocketed to over $9 million. Spielberg managed to deliver a final product that defied expectations and innovated the way that films were marketed and released.
Universal Pictures decided to release Jaws during the summer season, which was a risky move for the time. Summer releases were reserved for low-budget and independent films, as most movie-goers were on holiday and sought lighter entertainment. However, Spielberg’s unwavering belief in Jaws’ potential would soon be proven well-placed.
The marketing campaign for Jaws was a game-changer, introducing a fresh approach. Trailers were showcased on TV and in theatres, teasing the thrilling scenes and generating hype. Jaws’ iconic movie poster – featuring Bruce rising toward a vulnerable swimmer – became an unforgettable image, hanging on walls and billboards everywhere. The tagline ‘Don’t go in the water’ further heightened the overall suspense and intrigue. Universal took a bold step by simultaneously opening Jaws in over 450 theatres. This strategy was unheard of at the time but ultimately contributed to the film’s overwhelming success.
The success of Jaws was unparalleled. People eagerly queued for hours just to secure a ticket, and the film shattered records by becoming the first ever to gross over $100 million at the box office. It inspired a new generation of film enthusiasts who craved another unforgettable cinematic experience. The term ‘blockbuster’ took on a whole new meaning, now synonymous with high-budget, crowd-pleasing films. Studios shifted their focus towards producing more of these mega-hits, hoping to replicate the film’s success.
Jaws firmly cemented Steven Spielberg’s status as a trailblazing filmmaker. His masterful use of tension and storytelling techniques propelled him into the limelight, making him a household name. Spielberg’s directorial prowess continued to shine in subsequent successful films – such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, and Saving Private Ryan. Schneider, Shaw, and Dreyfuss also enjoyed critical acclaim, solidifying their positions as A-list actors.
Beyond this, Jaws sparked a cultural phenomenon that spread far beyond the film industry. The fear and fascination surrounding sharks reached unprecedented heights, leaving beachgoers paranoid. The American public’s perception of sharks was forever altered. Even to this day, the film is referenced and parodied. Films like 2018’s “The Meg” (and its sequel, 2023’s “The Meg 2”) have taken great inspiration from Jaws, though all fall short of the mark. Nobody has ever recreated the same level of shockwaves as Bruce, and they likely never will. With its $9 million budget, Jaws has grossed an overwhelming $476.5 million at the box office.
Jaws was no run-of-the-mill summer blockbuster; it was a groundbreaking film that forever transformed the entertainment industry. Its unique blend of suspense, action, and fear created a new type of viewing experience, and its influences continue to reverberate throughout Hollywood. Between Spielberg’s visionary direction, an iconic marketing campaign, and the unwavering dedication of the cast and crew, Jaws remains a timeless classic and pioneer of the summer blockbuster.
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