Here is the IMDB page with all the information you will ever need about the film.
Jaws was based on a best-selling beach novel (irony intended) by Peter Benchley. The movie was handed by the producers to their third choice for director, 26-year old Steven Spielberg, who had directed two films before this, one for television, Duel (1974), that was considered even then as something unusually good for the medium, and a quirky crime drama The Sugarland Express (1974), that was well-received. The production of Jaws became legend in Hollywood; several scriptwriters, a mechanical shark that wouldn't work, an alcoholic star, a shoot that was supposed to take 55 days but took 159, and wrapped finally $5 million over budget. The studio spent another $1.8 million promoting it (over $8 million in 2017 currency). It had no great stars; it was, though, based on a well-known book. And guess what? It opened to $7 million its first weekend; in two weeks it made its production costs back. It became the first movie in the US to earn $100 million. Ultimately it made $470 million dollars. It's considered the first of the summer blockbusters (think The Avengers franchise), and it's been blamed for the death of the American art film that reigned in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Accolades:
•Three Oscars. Nominated for Best Film.
•48 on the American Film Institute's list of greatest American films of all time in 1998; it was 56 in 2008.
•New York Times: one of the 1000 best films ever made.
•Selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2001 as a "culturally significant" motion picture.
To begin, here's a scene from what we've watched already, Brody nervously watching the water for the shark. Spielberg uses every trick in the proverbial book to make this nerve-wracking (Emery, I saw you ready to cover your eyes during the scene). The most famous part of the scene is when Brody sees the boy being attacked; using a page out of Alfred Hitchcock, Spielberg simultaneously dollies in with the camera (a dolly is a track that allows the camera to move) and using a zoom lens, zooms out at the same time. It's a great effect we will see in Vertigo.
1. So your reaction so far? Like? Dislike? Why? And what scene or moment has stayed with you since watching the movie in class? And why?
2. How would you categorize Jaws? Is it a drama? An adventure film? A horror film? Wikipedia categorizes it as a thriller, which makes sense, I suppose. But there's this story too about Martin Brody, a fish out of water (yeah, yeah) on this island off the coast of Massachusetts, and his fear of water. There's a commentary as well on the way the Mayor puts the economic interests of Amity above the little problem of the shark eating its inhabitants. Then there will be Quint, who we were briefly introduced to today, the flinty Yankee shark hunter; he has a fascinating story. And Hooper, who Quint dismisses immediately as a city boy who's never done an honest day of work in his life. There's a lot going on here. But nonetheless, how would you categorize this film—and why?
3. On your scale of what makes a movie worth seeing: how is Jaws doing? Make clear your criteria: then say how Jaws is—or isn't—fulfilling it.
That's it. Write about 200 words in all. Good day in class today. We'll finish the movie tomorrow and talk about it. Have a good night.
1. So far I don’t really like the movie. The dog got eaten which I didn’t appreciate but other than that I just feel like it’s kind of predictable. Anyone who is focused on for one conversation and then gets in the water is going to be eaten it seems. I also haven’t actually seen the shark yet which might be purposeful but I think it would be more tension-building if there was a “fin slicing through the water” sort of thing.
ReplyDelete2. I’d say it’s a drama film. Being a thriller I partially understand obviously, I was covering my eyes at times. But I think that since there isn’t a ton of imagery with the shark and there’s not really any gore to really make someone scared I think. I think it could be argued that it’s a suspense film but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it’s a horror movie or thriller. Drama makes sense to me because the mother who lost her son slapping the chief of police who could’ve saved her son, the teens partying on the beach who made a wrong choice, and the headstrong mayor who needs his town to make money so he won’t allow the beaches to be closed. All of these components are just there to add to the drama. Along with the moving dock which I thought was just ridiculous.
3. I am not super invested in the plot and so far I don’t really have a connection with any of the characters. All I’ve really gotten from the film so far is that Brody is afraid of water, that’s kinda it. The characters haven’t been too complex or interesting yet and the plot is pretty much just shark is attacking town,, people try to catch shark, people catch a shark and think it’s safe, wrong shark, it’s not safe, and then they finally get the shark.
1. So far I love this movie. I saw it before when I was younger, but I don’t think I was paying much attention because I forgot all the little details of this movie, like the dog disappearing on the beach. I love seeing the paranoia build up in Captain Brody, and I loved his panic scene on the beach. I love how the movie teases the audience and makes the audience extremely on edge, even when nothing is actually happening. All of the scares that end with everyone being fine are awesome, especially the two men on the dock. Through that scene we see the power of this shark, even though we haven’t even seen it yet. The idea of this terrifying shark is up to each person’s imagination, which makes it even scarier. There isn’t anything I don’t like in this movie so far. The scenes that have stayed with me are the panic beach scene, and also the scene where the woman is first attacked. I just think it’s amazing how that attack was filmed/choreographed/acted, especially since it seemed so real for the time it was filmed. I loved how the woman was silent for parts of the attack, and screaming bloody murder other parts, because it seemed like an accurate portrayal of how a person being attacked would act. It was also very horrible, which made me want to watch it. I also loved when the camera would show the guy on the beach, because it made me want to go in the movie and scream at him to call for help. I love when movies make the audience so invested that they are upset at characters for their actions (or lack of action), even when it’s obvious there’s nothing the character could do (the guy was so drunk he passed out and obviously couldn’t hear her scream, and there was nothing that could have saved her at that point anyway).
ReplyDelete2. I would probably categorize this film as a thriller as there is so much suspense, tension, fear, and excitement. I think the main underlying feeling of this movie is paranoia and fear, which makes me call it a thriller. It definitely has elements of adventure and horror, but the feeling I have throughout it is that I am on the edge of my seat and afraid, but excited, for whatever action or attack comes next. The tension keeps building up, and I am so excited for the intense shark scene.
3. I think Jaws is very worth seeing so far. It is a classic movie that everyone knows and references, especially the iconic introduction theme song. The scenes from below the water of innocent people swimming are so awesome and memorable. Another awesome part of this movie is that it stays with you. After I first saw this movie, I definitely remembered it the next time I went to the beach. The acting of Brody, the oceanographer, and the shark hunter have been memorable to me so far, which is something I look for. I also think it’s interesting how there are so many different things going on in this movie. There is the family of Brody, Brody’s past, the little boy’s family, the oceanographer, the pressure of the town, the shark hunter’s story, etc. I have not been bored for one second so far while watching this movie, and I can’t wait to finish it, which is also a very important feeling to have when watching a movie.
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ReplyDelete1.This is my second time seeing jaws and I feel like it's more the type of movie you see once, but so far my second time through, I like it but I don't love it. One part that stood out to me was how while the police chief was told not to close the beaches and received pushback from the mayor and islanders when he tries to close it, he is still blamed for keeping the beaches open. I also felt as though the islanders were too casual that they just saw a little boy get eaten and later in the meeting they all complain at the announcement of the closed beaches even in light of what had just happened. One aspect that I do like is the development of Brody's past and family life because I think it adds dimension to what could be a one dimensional suspenseful movie.
2.I think that this movie could be categorized as either a drama or a thriller. I think it has aspects of both. It is a drama in the sense that we see characters (mostly Brody) going through an inner and outer conflict, and there is tragedy and growth and so on. I think it could also be seen as a thriller because of the obvious suspense the movie is built off of and all the tension built up throughout the shark attacks and the unknown.
3.While this is definitely not y favorite movie I definitely think that it's worth seeing because there are so many references to the movie throughout media today and it truly is an iconic film that was the first of its kind. I feel as though it's the type of movie you see once to experience it, but not necessarily the type I would want to watch over and over as I feel I don't have enough investment in the movie to do so.
1. I personally like the movie so far, I've never seen it before however I've always wanted to because it's a classic. I do think it's a little slow. I feel like all we've seen is the main police officer being stressed out, honestly I'm excited for the climatic scene where the real shark is revealed. I think the scene that most stays with me is when the mother who lost her son comes up the the police cheif and slaps him. After slapping him she tells him how wrong it was let people swim in shark infested water, and then after her rant the mayor tells the police cheif that the mother is "wrong." It was terrible to see someone trivializing a mother's loss off a child to it just being about how much money the island will make that summer.
ReplyDelete2. I do see how it could be considered a thriller considering the intense music played anytime we see someone in the ocean however on a deeper level I think it's a drama. Just the presence of multiple deaths being overlooked due to money can make it a drama. I think the police having a bad past with the ocean also creates this dramatic effect of what will happen next. Also a lot of the movie deals with the conflicts of the police officer compared to shark itself.
3. I think I see why it's a movie worth seeing. At the time the movie would have meant the beginnning of the true thriller where you have both a combo of a drama with the suspense of a horror. I think it's a movie worth seeing because it's talked about a lot in society as well, I mean the music alone is iconic. It may not have the best flowing plot line but I definetly see how it could inspire other directors to do similar things like it.
1. I like the movie so far. I've already seen it but I like it a lot so I don't mind seeing it again. I think the most memorable part so far was the part when the girl in the beginning was swimming in the ocean. I liked how dramatic it was and how the music really set the scene. The imagery in general during this moment was really well done I think and caught a lot of angles under water that I thought were really cool. I liked how we were looking at the girl from the perspective of the shark and I felt like it was a sort of visual personification.
ReplyDelete2. I would categorize this movie as a dramatic thriller. It doesn't quite have the elements to be just a thriller on it's own though and maybe I'm just saying that because the movie has lost it's thrill over time, but it does feel like the intention of it is to scare you a bit. The acting is somewhat dramatic and comedic to me. Especially with the attack in the beginning. I just wasn't convinced by her and I felt like her reactions were meant to be comedic but maybe that's just me. Shark attacks are scary, but the way they're portrayed doesn't really give me that reaction. I think maybe because the characters who've died so far haven't really been developed, but overall I'm not feeling scared or thrilled from what we've seen in class.
3. I think Jaws is definitely worth seeing because of how influential it was on all the movies after it. It became a standard for other films and broke a lot of boundaries with its content. I think the idea is original, the acting is pretty good, there are plenty of comedic breaks, and it's very dramatic, all elements that engross you and make the audience want to keep watching. I think the effect it had on the movie industry is probably the main reason I'd recommend it to other people, but the movie is definitely interesting and worth seeing.
1. At this point in Jaws I enjoy the movie because I have never seen this classic before, even though I didn't enjoy when the dog was eaten by the shark. One scene that stood out to me was when after the young boy got attacked and eaten by the shark all the other children in the ocean fled to the shore. After all the mothers and fathers of the boys got their children, getting reassured that their child wasn't the boy that was eaten. The mother of the child that was eaten by the shark looked for her son, and after her she couldn't find him, the scene cuts to the torn bloody raft the boy was lying on before the shark attack. This scene remains in my head because not only was it a heart breaking scene, but you also feel bad for Brody because he was very nervous about another shark attack.
ReplyDelete2. I agree Jaws is a thriller. I would categorize this movie as a thriller because the shark hasn't been shown and two people have already died which shows the movie is only just beginning, it adds suspense.
3. Jaws is definitely a movie worth seeing. Jaws is a classic movie and even if it wasn't good it would still be a movie worth seeing. I'm not completely hooked with the plot yet but it definitely seems to be going somewhere. The filming is grainy at times, and the shark hasn't been shown yet, which builds the suspense but I feel like it should have been shown in the beginning. I am starting to get invested with the character Brody, which is a major part in making a movie worth seeing.
1. I have watched this movie once before a couple years ago, and I enjoyed then. I like it a lot more now since I know more about films and filming techniques. It's interesting watching Jaws again after hearing about the techniques used, for instance in the "town hall" meeting scene with Spielberg's use of single shots, "group" shots, and how he used the eye-line of everybody to direct their attention to Brody as he's speaking (even though there are many other people in the frame). I've heard many comparisons to that scene's direction and the direction of JJ Abram's "Super 8" town hall meeting scene (coincidently I watched Super 8 the other night). So it was interesting watching those scenes again with the context of those movies. Other than that scene from Jaws, one of the other moments I noticed was how long Spielberg held the shot of the kid getting eaten by the shark. I also noticed how he didn't add any real musical flare to it, which let what was happening disgust me by itself as it forced me to just watch the kid getting engulfed in his own blood (which was pretty gruesome).
ReplyDelete2. Contrary to what I just said, I don't think this film is in the genre of "horror." I do not like horror movies, I get pretty scared easily, the closest thing I've seen to a horror movie in theaters is "Get Out," and even that wasn't too scary. While Jaws certainly has some gruesome moments, the overarching theme and storyline does involve more of a thriller/drama plot. The attitude of the town plays a big part in the movie, and adds conflict between the mayor, who just wants to keep everything open to make money, and Brody, who wants to keep everybody safe. Specifically, the plot line that Brody has to deal with the guilt of his decision as he was pressured by the mayor (because if it was up to Brody the beaches would've been closed and nobody else would have died). Given this, and the numerous other character interactions, I think Jaws falls more in the thriller/drama category.
3. Jaws is definitely a movie "worth seeing" (ironic because we are seeing it 'for free' in class), but over all, its cultural impact, historical impact on filmmaking, and the fact that it checks off a lot of the categories we made today (cinematography, characters, plot, etc.) absolutely lands it a spot on the "worth seeing" list. Jaws as the classic and original summer blockbuster not only broke records and impacted the viewing society, it also forced a lot of the smaller budget more art-house films to be released at other times (if at all). The cinematography, especially the framing and blocking with actors, definitely makes it a must see (the underwater shots from the sharks point of view, the vertigo shot on the beach, the town hall scene, and the whole tension building beach scene with the people walking in front of the scene). The characters are also each fleshed out and have their own defining features and moments (the mom's more comedic moment when she opens the book to the shark attack and calls the kid back from the water, Brody's inexperience in the workings of the town and how he is a little clumsy, the mayors greed for money, that one kid who was adorably playing in the sand and singing in the beach scene, and the numerous others who all have different personalities), which are all compelling and relatable traits that add to the story and help drive it in interesting ways.
I like the movie so far. I liked the moral dilemma that the officer had over shutting down the beaches. He was new to town so he was easily manipulated into keeping them open for the sake of the businessmen. We couldn't help but understand his willingness to look past the theory that there was a giant shark ready to attack in the water, even though we all knew it was the wrong decision. There are all American families/characters that you don't want to get eaten but aren't attached enough to to be broken hearted over their demise. A moment that stayed with me was when the shark scientist was measuring the mouth of the shark while every one gathered around to take a photo with it. All the men were so happy to think they had conquered nature and shown the beast who was boss, but the real hero is the scientist delivering the bad news that no one is safe yet.
ReplyDeleteIt's a horror film. I looked up the difference between horror and thriller movies and thrillers are more phycological while horror films are more gorey and violent. To be fair, I imagined at this point there would've been a lot more casualties. I thought the movie would be the shark attacking people left and right, but there have only been 2 deaths. I'd say it's horror because the suspense really isn't enough for me. It's not full of confusion or jump scares. We know that the shark is going to attack someone and it's sure to be bloody; it's only a matter of time. The description of the girls body combined with the blood soaked floaty outshine the deeper complexities of the plot and make it horror, not drama.
Considering I've seen almost none of the movies worth seeing (in the class or the ones we named today), I'd say my scale has yet to be developed. Right now, I'd say it doesn't live up to its reputation. I think something that makes the movies worth seeing is the impact they had/have on pop culture and how they live up to the reputation that has been given to them by the number of references they receive in other media. I was under the impression Jaws would be scarier, gorier, and more suspense filled based on what I've heard about it/seen of it growing up. It's still worth seeing so you can connect it to its references but it's not the iconic movie I expected it to be or a movie I "need" to see. However, maybe I'll change my mind after we finish the movie in class tomorrow.
1. I really like the movie so far, but I also have never seen it before. I know there is a lot of hype around it, especially among my parents generation, and so I have always felt like it was something I had to watch but I have never had the time. Now that I'm watching it, I actually enjoy the plot (even though it is extremely cheesy). In my opinion, the best scene so far was when Mrs. Brody scolded the chief, her husband, for yelling at their kid to get out of the boat, and then saw the image of a shark eating a boat. The comedic relief in the film is frequent and very nice, especially since there is so much suspense.
ReplyDelete2. I would definitely categorize it as a thriller-horror hybrid, just because of the intensity and perpetual fear among the characters in the film. There are a lot of themes within Jaws that are applicable to both thriller and horror genres. Because the islanders seek redemption from the shark, the push-back creates a thrilling feeling. On the other hand, the plot of the movie also instills a fright in the watcher. I'd definitely not want to go in the water after this film, so it clearly frightens me. Just in the same way a paranormal horror film scares the watcher into being afraid of the dark.
3. It's doing well in the sense that it's a cheesy horror film. Since it is such a classic and so hyped up, I'm glad I'm watching it, but I know i would never voluntarily choose to watch it on my own time. It is definitely within the realm of classic chick flick movies like clueless, but not categorized (in my opinion) with critically acclaimed films like Oscar winners. Although it puts me in a summer mood and the comedy within the film is extremely entertaining, the movie is not one of my favorites. However, because it is such a classic, I would say it is worth seeing.
1. I have watched this movie many times, and still enjoy it every time I see it. Even though I know the outcomes of each scene, I still tense up watching. The first time I saw this movie I had the worst nightmares and refused to swim, both in oceans and pools. The scene that sticks with me is the one where the young woman is swimming at the beginning of the movie and Jaws is slowly making its way up to the girl. After watching this scene, I always goes weeks without swimming backstroke, fearing a shark will attack me from under as in the film. This scene entertains me every time I see it.
ReplyDelete2. I think the movie should be categorized as a thriller. I find it thrilling, especially on the boat ride (sorry to spoil) when the crew attempts to hunt down Jaws. The whole build up to that scene makes it even more suspenseful, as the fate of the people at the beach relies on the threesome catching the shark. That entire boat ride, especially when the shark comes up onto the deck of the boat, is one example of many scenes that makes the film a thriller.
3. I think Jaws is a must see. There are so many references that everyone should know from this movie, such as the opening theme song, and "We're gonna need a bigger boat." I think Jaws is a perfect summer-fling movie that everyone should see, especially before going to the beach. The film makes viewers think twice about swimming in the ocean. This is the reason it is a must-see: movies that impact the decisions of its' viewers are definitely worth checking out.
1. So far I'm a fan. This movie has used sound particularly effectively. Of course there is the famous theme to build suspense, but there are other things. In the sequence when Brody watches for shark attacks, he is almost more listening than watching. We hear only human sounds as he listens attentively for screams among the children's yelling. This and other parts of the sound make it an effective movie just as much as the visuals. Spielberg knows what he is doing, and is conscious of the details.
ReplyDelete2. I guess it's horror? It definitely is harder to classify than that though. Thriller does a pretty good job but isn't very specific. Maybe like "Shakespearean" it should get a genre all its own. This shows an ability to have a horror story with a lot else going on. Its a summer blockbuster but it's one with more layers than most.
3. Jaws is doing pretty well. Even if it was awful it would be worth seeing to some degree for the references people make to it. But in addition to the cultural knowledge you get out of it, it is a good movie. I know most of what's going to happen, but it still draws me in. I've heard all about it, but I'm still kept in the moment and wonder what will happen next. The ability to draw people in and make them wonder what they already know is, to me, a mark of a good movie.
1. So far I like the movie because it is very captivating. I find myself invested in the scenes and what is happening. It also is very effective in instilling fear in the watcher, and creating a frightening atmosphere. The scene that sticks with me is when the chief was forced into saying the girl that got eaten was not attacked by a shark because of the publicity for the island. It really makes social commentary on corruption and commercialism.
ReplyDelete2. I would categorize Jaws as a horror film because of the suspense, and the horror factor.
3. I would say that Jaws is a must see because of how iconic of a film it is. Even if you don't enjoy it, it is a good thing to see just for references. My criteria for a must see movie definitely has to do with how much it stays with you after watching. I think Jaws so far is definitely a movie that sticks with you. Also my criteria for must see movies has to do with how relevant they are too basic movie knowledge and I think this one is pretty relevant!
1. I really like this movie, especially how, for a movie about a shark, we have yet to see the actual shark. By not seeing it, we have no choice but to fear every shadow in the water and every cry from the beach. It builds anxiety in a way that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. I also like how the movie’s not just a simple matter of finding and killing a shark, there’s a lot of bureaucracy and some pretty valid reasoning for why not to close the beach or hire an expert. All in all, there’s very little I’d change. The one moment that really stuck with me would have to be, however predictable, the first scene when the girl’s being attacked and the boy is just passed out on the beach. It may not have been at all realistic, because sharks don’t actually fight you to the death—usually just one bite and they’re gone—but I’m so used to scenes at dramatic as that being the climax that to have it as the very first one, one that would soon be overlooked, I think that made it really striking.
ReplyDelete2. I suppose, this is a pretty straight-forward adventure movie, the protagonist leaves home, defeats some evil, learns a life lesson, then returns home. Now, I said he learns a “life lesson”, but what that lesson is, I’m not entirely sure. All that being said, no adventure has ever kept me on the edge on my seat the way this movie has; really, the only movie I can recall that’s made me jump like this is “Get Out”, and that, I’d call a thriller/drama, so why can’t “Jaws” be two things too? It is a thrilling adventure.
3. For a movie to be worth seeing, I think it has to be something I think about for a while after watching. The criteria for that is not something set in stone, but there are a few things that I often find draw me back to a piece: characters with a depth and complexity that lifts them from the screen and makes them breath beside me and a beauty in the presentation of the film, whether that be in the location of the filming itself, I want images that stick with me, not for the objects in focus but for the feeling the entirety of the image inspires (ex. “Ginger and Rosa” had its big confrontation in a simple, white walled room, no music, very little speaking, just looks shared between Ginger and her mother in which the truth was revealed and their home crumbled). Those are the two things that make me care, that make me remember, and “Jaws” has them both. While it does develop the characters to some degree, and I’m sure it will continue to do so, the presentation of the film is what gets me the most. It’s just so classic, the beach houses, the sea, the attacks, it’s all very appealing to me.