Jaws is reasonably regarded as one of the 100 greatest US movies, and the second in 100 greatest US thrillers of all times (McBride, 67). Though, it is not surprising, considering the fact that the movie was mainly created to entertain the audience, and any message was not planned by the team. However, it may b e found, if the movie is regarded from the perspective of art values. It should be stated that everyone finds his/her own value and the subject in the movie. Hence, the most commonly accepted subject is the confrontation of a human and nature. Humanity is helpless if it has to challenge the nature with bare hands. This is shown clearly when several people become attacked by a gigantic, smart and powerful shark. The entire plot is dedicated to this subject, and the most symbolic elements are the starting scenery when a skinny dipping girl, whose remains are later found killed on a beach. The next elements are the appearing of other victims of the shark: Alex Kintner, Ben Gardner, and Estuary Victim. These sceneries reveal the fact that the problem may still be ignored by shortsighted officials while it can not be ignored any more. However, the most significant and symbolic is the Shark Hunt scenery: when Brody and Quint experience a wreck caused by the shark, and try to save their lives.
Related subject is the shortsightedness of politicians and official persons if the case is related with the possible expenses or loss of reputation: several scenes where Brody tries to persuade Larry Vaughn – mayor of the island – to close beaches in order to avoid further victims, and then hire shark hunter.
The separate elements of the movie form the linear plot, and are aimed at giving the message as well as the subject of the movie. There is no lack of sequence in the events, as the entire plot forms the story of following and catching a shark. The manner of telling the story is based on the principles of increasing the suspense. In accordance with the best Hitchcock’s traditions, the audience is kept thrilled through the movie, and the trill is growing until the culmination in the end. Everybody knows that the shark will not stop, as it is smart, large, and powerful. However, it is unknown who will be the next.
The plot structure is common. Everything starts with the statement that a shark is dangerous and it will be hard to catch it. Then, the phase of “permission” then starts, when the main character tries persuade the surrounding community in the potential danger. Actually, this is the common element for most thrillers and horror movies. Everybody is sympathizing with little Alex Kintner, though, authorities are not going to do anything to prevent other deaths. When the situation becomes clear for those who can resolve the problem, the danger becomes too obvious and some of the victims are vain.
Acting is quite realistic, and the audience is made to believe that Bruce is real, and dangerous (“Bruce” is the name of a dummy shark given by the survey squad (McBride, 189)). It is not difficult to realize the atmosphere of danger and ignorance combined in the movie. Additionally, watchers have the opportunity to see the danger by their own eyes, and the most impressive will even feel the taste of salt water.
Characters are quite dynamic. Especially it is seen on the example of Martin Brody, who had to overcome his hydrophobia, and join Sam Quint in the shark hunt. Local authorities seem to change their attitude towards the safety of the beeches.
Cinematography is quite narrative and spectacular. Actually, it is not a NatGeo documentary filming, and the audience will not find anything new about sharks and their living. A symbolic moment when all three head for the hunt, and the boat is shown as the background for the jaws of a shark which are a part of Quint’s collection. It is a symbol that the shark is a real killing machine, and it will not be hard for that giant to squeeze the boat.
The shark hunt episode makes the audience feel the excitement of the fishermen, as well as the danger and horror of the shark. The impressions are even deeper when Quint describes the episode from his life when he survived a ship wreck, and shark attack after it. Now watchers realize the situation fully, and it is not hard to feel the atmosphere of hunt, and loneliness of three men in the ocean. A very spectacular moment is when Brody charges his gun, and a falling star is shown on the background. The authors probably wished show that the world is still the same, and it is beautiful, while the shark is the part of this beautiful world, and it will not be easy to hunt it.
Pace and tempo of the plot developing is quite suitable for the relaxed apprehension of the movie. Everything is clear and logically reasoned. There is no need to resolve detective situations, or wait till the end to find out who is the villain. Transitions of the movie are quite smooth, as there is no need in flashbacks, sudden transitions and turns of the plot like Indian directors like including. Spielberg’s plots are as straight as the shark’s way when it attacks, and sharp as its teeth.
Locations and sets are aimed at representing the recreational atmosphere of Amity Island: it is a kind of paradise, and it is too fragile. Therefore, human paradise may be defended by those who really appreciate the value of human life.
Spielberg’s style is quite recognizable. Steady supercharging of the suspense, with logic development of the plot is the ID card of his movies. Few directors are able to combine a message with thrilling plot and adequate special affects. The mentioned above falling meteor is not a notable effect, though, it delicately hints at the greatness of the Creator who has created this world, that shark, and falling stars that remind us of the humble role of a human in the world.
The personal reaction is based on the admiration of the regarded movie style, as well as Spielberg’s movies. Though, there are more meaningful movies in the world cinematography, blockbusters should not be too complicated. The film is quite stereotyped, however, in 1975 it probably did not seem so.
Reasons for liking is that everything ended relatively well, though, it is hard not to feel pity for the victims of the shark. And even rude, vulgar and mercantile Quint makes us feel sorry after his death.
Work Cited
McBride, Joseph. Steven Spielberg: A Biography. Da Capo Press. 1999.