Jaws (1975): The perfect man-eating machine movie
1975 • Steven Spielberg • 2.35:1 • Jump to Gallery ↓
Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the novel by Peter Benchley, Jaws follows the police chief of a small seaside community as he attempts to protect residents and tourists after a series of fatal shark attacks. Under pressure from the authorities to keep the beaches open, he eventually teams up with a marine biologist and an experienced fisherman to hunt the predator offshore.
A masterclass in suspense, the film that established the concept of the modern summer blockbuster overcame a notoriously disastrous production. Due to technical difficulties, the shark is hidden for most of the film, only appearing in key moments. This, combined with John Williams’ famous two-note musical theme, creates scenes that make the heart pound.
Transitioning successfully from a light, summery local political thriller in the first half to an epic, Melville-esque maritime adventure in the second, Jaws is a deeply visceral film that changed how the world looks at the ocean and at movie screens.
Technical Specs:
- The Story: A seaside community is thrown into panic when a series of deadly shark attacks threatens the summer season, leading a police chief, a marine biologist, and a seasoned fisherman on a perilous hunt across open waters.
- Actors: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton.
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Year: 1975
- Cinematographer: Bill Butler
- Origin: American Cinema
- Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
- Genre: Action & Adventure / Horror
