Jaws Movie Review

Rating: 9.5/10

I have been meaning to check Jaws out for a long long time. This is the film that started Steven Spielberg as a director, one that brought him to the world’s attention.  I heard it is one of Steven Spielberg’s best work and I’m extremely curious how this film is going to turn out. Jaws is a 1975 film that won 3 Oscars for the technical aspects of the film; editing, score, and sound.

Jaws follows the story of Martin Brody, the new police chief of Amity, an island town, as he takes on the quest of catching a gigantic great white shark that killed 3 people in Amity. He receives the help of a fisherman and a scientist. He is afraid of water. However, the guilt that has been brought upon him by the people of Amity forces him to take on this mission and bring the shark home.

I loved Jaws. It was great in every aspect. I find it really hard to put a genre to this film. It’s a part thriller, part comedy, and a part character study. It is both funny and scary, entertaining yet thought provoking. What it definitely is a thriller and a highly suspenseful movie.

First things first, the reason why this film has such an impact and effect on me is the directing. Steven Spielberg did an incredible job with this film. He succeeds well in making the scary sequences e.g. the underwater scenes which made me jump of my seat a couple of times. Every time the camera is under water, I have a sense something bad is going to happen. Heck, even when it’s above the water with happy music playing, I even have a feeling something bad is going to happen.

There is two particular scenes that I really loved and scared the shit out of me. One is where Matt Hooper goes underwater in the anti shark cage. The other one is the graphic demise of one particular character who was eaten by the shark. If you have seen the film, you know exactly what I’m talking about. After seeing this film, I will probably feel a little insecure when I go into the ocean. That’s the indication of how well Steven Spielberg directed this film.

Another reason why I love this film so much is there’s so much story going on in the film. It’s not just a shark movie where this monster attacks and everyone is trying to catch it. It’s also a character study. We get these three unique and different characters; the chief, scientist, and the fisherman. The two characters, the scientist and the fisherman, are so different in terms of age and experience and opinions on things.

 But they have one thing in common, they have a passion for sharks. One studies it, and one catches it. It is intriguing to see those two discuss their differences by arguing back and forth and saying bitter remarks to one another. It is also intriguing to see the relationship that bonds throughout the film. They have a mutual respect for each other and respect each other’s views and opinions.

The score in this film is perfect. It’s the one that sticks with you. It gives you the sense of adventure and fear at the same time. It gives you the sense of happiness and scariness at the same time. Every time the score kicks in, everything seems so happy and quiet. But you get a feeling that soon something bad is going to happen.

Watching this film in 2011, where computer graphics have progressed a lot, this film doesn’t seem dated at all. Some people say the shark doesn’t look real. I haven’t seen a real shark but I could easily mistake this one for a real one, or is it? It is definitely gigantic as described by the characters in the film and it is extremely scary looking. And Boy, is it hard to kill that thing. A bullet is not going to do anything. When you see the shark up close, you do not want to be near that thing. You understand the fear the characters are having and this is why the graphic death scene I mentioned above worked so well.

As for performances in this film, everyone was outstanding. The three main characters that went out to sea to catch the shark all deserve recognitions for their portrayals. Roy Scheider was great as the chief police. I felt the pressure and guilt he was having. I understand how he thinks it is his responsibility, as the chief police, to catch this shark. He really cares for the people of Amity unlike the mayor of the town , played by Murray Hamilton who also gave a fine performance.

Other two great characters include; the fisherman and the scientist. The two great backbones of the film, who have different personalities. Richard Dreyfuss was terrific as the rich young man who has a passion for sharks since childhood. When he is being challenged about his knowledge and passion, I felt for him and anyone can. Anyone can relate to his character where you have a great passion for something and someone tells you that you don’t know anything about it.

Robert Shaw was outstanding as the experienced fisherman who has caught lots of sharks. He sometimes comes off as a person full of himself, a person that thinks he has more life experience that anybody else. And maybe he’s right, he does have more experience than anybody else. He provides this film with his unique personality that was a great aspect of the film. The stories he told about his life are a nice touch too.

I don’t have any complaints with this film. I think it is perfect. I loved this film. Jaws is a beautifully cinematographed film, masterfully directed film, beautifully scored film, and a superbly acted film. You cannot get a better film that this one. Jaws is a true classic and it deserves to be. I recommend anyone who likes films to watch this film. I would be surprised if a film fan hasn’t watched this already. It’s one of Steven Spielberg’s greatest films. As far as I’m concerned, it is my favorite Steven Spielberg film. Please check this film out if you haven’t already.