On Friday, the film "Jaws" celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking its place as one of the most cherished and frequently viewed movies in cinematic history. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the 1975 classic has left an indelible mark on pop culture and film-making techniques. This piece delves into the fascinating lore surrounding "Jaws" to test your knowledge of the film.
One of the first intriguing facts is about the mechanical shark used in the film, which was nicknamed "Bruce" after Spielberg's attorney, Bruce Ramer. The shark, however, was notorious for its mechanical failures, primarily due to saltwater corrosion, which often rendered it unusable during the shooting schedule. Spielberg's decision to keep the shark hidden for much of the film ultimately added to the suspense and intensity, a choice that contributed significantly to the film's success.
The title "Jaws" came about just before the publication of Peter Benchley's 1974 novel. Benchley considered various alternatives such as "Leviathan Rising" and "Silent Fall" but finally opted for the short and impactful "Jaws," though he himself wasn't entirely sure of its meaning. The striking movie poster featuring a rising great white shark was inspired by the paperback edition cover illustrated by Roger Kastel, who famously drew inspiration from a real shark at the American Museum of Natural History.
Though "Jaws" was filmed on Martha's Vineyard, the fictional setting of Amity Island drew inspiration from Nantucket, where Benchley spent time fishing with his father. Interestingly, Dick Richards was initially tapped to direct the film but lost that privilege when he mistakenly referred to the shark as a whale during a crucial meeting.
When Spielberg embarked on the "Jaws" project, he was just 26 years old. The casting of the central characters saw Charlton Heston express interest in the role of Brody, the police chief of Amity Island, but Spielberg ultimately cast Roy Scheider. Meanwhile, Quint, the grizzled shark hunter, commands his boat named "The Orca," a title that would later inspire a 1977 film about a killer whale.
As the production of "Jaws" progressed, it became notorious for running significantly over schedule—159 days instead of the planned 55 days—and its budget nearly tripled to $9 million. The movie, which originally aimed for a Christmas release, instead opened in the summer, thus setting a template for future summer blockbusters. The film was apportioned a "PG" rating despite public concern about its content, with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) arguing it depicted "nature's violence" rather than violence committed by humans.
Throughout the movie, memorable lines resonated with audiences, including the iconic “You’re gonna need a bigger boat,” famously ad-libbed by Scheider. The terrifying backstory of Quint was crafted by John Milius, with the veteran shark hunter recounting his harrowing experience as a survivor of the USS Indianapolis sinking during World War II. Spielberg's involvement can also be found in the film's sound; his voice appears on the radio during a key scene, although he does not physically appear on screen.
As "Jaws" received significant acclaim, it was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning three for Best Sound, Best Editing, and Best Score, while ultimately losing Best Picture to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." With a gripping narrative and innovative filmmaking, "Jaws" not only captured the audience's imagination but also revolutionized the summer blockbuster model, setting the stage for future films.
