C.T Recommended: Jaws (1975)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss

The plot involves a police officer, a shark hunter, and an oceanographer trying to hunt a killer shark that has been terrorizing their town.

The movie that made everyone afraid of going back to the water. This fear of sharks and the deep dark sea was triggered by non other than one of the pioneers New Hollywood Era, Steven Spielberg. At the age of 29, Spielberg directed this blockbuster that sparked his notoriety, to be one of the most inspirational, and most popular directors in Hollywood.

Based on the book of the same name by Peter Benchley, this movie focuses on a killer shark terrorizing the town of Amityville Island, New York. Police chief Martin Brody played by the late Roy Scheider, shark hunter Quint (played by the late Robert Shaw), and Hooper (played by Dreyfuss), endure a long adventure to hunt the shark.

The acting is incredible, the chemistry between all three actors is phenomenal. One scene that defines this, is the scene in the boat where they all share stories and sing along. the last hour of the film, we feel their feeling of isolation as they hunt down what's causing their town grief and torment. The writing was incredible, displaying the difference in moral values towards the situation. Chief Brody wants the shark killed so it no longer poses a threat to his citizens, the mayor wants to see the town be economically successful during the 4th of July after the shark was destroying the tourist business, and Quint wants the shark killed for his own reward. the cinematography by Bill Butler was great, especially used in the first scene where the first victim was swimming in the dark, and the shots of her silhouette as she was being stalked by the shark.

The production of the film was remarkable, and did not feel out of place. The shark was mechanically controlled and it still looks just as frightening today then it did back in 1975, like comparing that to other shark films like The Meg? No thanks, I rather watch Jaws over and over. the film was shot in Martha's Vineyard, which allowed the mechanical shark to be used at far distances, with some scenes shot in a pool, the immersion was never interrupted. The sound effects were good, and the most noticeable feature of the film, was the music. the music done by John Williams was classic and filled the movie with suspense and terror, and is considered one of the best tracks in movie history.

In conclusion, it is truly one of the greatest films ever made, and one that kick-started Spielberg's career as a director of very well known films such as Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, E.T, Saving Private Ryan, and many more. Jaws won 3 Academy Awards, for Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Sound. Jaws was really successful as it became the highest grossing film of all time until the release of Star Wars two years later. This success spawned 3 sequels that followed, and they were not quite up to par with the original. Jaws still remains one of the best films ever made, and one to not be forgotten anytime soon.

My rating: 10/10

#CTRecommended #2018