As a cinephile with decades of film-watching under my belt, I must admit that revisiting “Jaws” is like reuniting with an old friend who still gives me chills. This timeless horror classic, now available on Netflix, has stood the test of time and continues to be a benchmark in the genre.
Originally coining the term “blockbuster” in 1975, the timeless horror masterpiece Jaws is making a comeback on Netflix. Not only will Spielberg’s initial film from the series be accessible on the streaming platform, but fans can also enjoy the sequels, Jaws 2 (1978) and Jaws 3-D (1983). Regrettably, the 1987 release, Jaws: The Revenge, will not be included. This film is seldom missed by critics or viewers alike, as it’s typically regarded as one of the worst movies ever made.
The movie “Jaws” narrates the story of Martin Brody, the chief of police in a town named Amity Island. After a gruesome corpse washes up on shore, Brody becomes suspicious and raises an alarm about potential shark presence. However, the mayor of the island remains unconvinced, prioritizing the influx of summer tourists who are expected to flock to the beaches. The situation takes a turn for the worse when a child is devoured in full view of hundreds of vacationers, causing widespread panic. With the assistance of marine biologist Matt Hooper (played by Richard Dreyfuss) and shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw), Brody embarks on a quest to track down and eliminate the monstrous shark before it can strike again.
1975 saw the release of “Jaws” by Universal Pictures, a daring venture for the studio given the numerous production setbacks and budget overruns. At that time, the director was relatively new and didn’t boast the extensive filmography he does today. Despite these challenges, the movie ultimately proved to be successful, albeit in an unexpected way. The mechanical shark used in the film, named “Bruce,” frequently malfunctioned, necessitating several alterations. Consequently, the shark’s screen time is extremely limited, almost non-existent during the first hour of the movie, with only occasional fin glimpses.
Despite debates about its creation, the movie made a nationwide debut and recouped its production cost in just ten days. Audiences swarmed theaters and filled adjacent blocks, earning it the title of “blockbuster.” The film’s success significantly influenced how Hollywood studios plan their summer releases, an approach that some continue to use today. At the Academy Awards, Jaws garnered three Oscars for Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Sound.
Why is Jaws the Quintessential Horror Classic?
It’s fascinating how a horror movie became the trailblazer for all major summer films released in Hollywood afterwards. People often look down upon this genre, viewing it as less significant or even distasteful, due to its lack of perceived artistic merit.
Occasionally, it’s all about the right tone, something Steven Spielberg is well-versed in and consistently manages effectively across different genres. His movies are exceptional forms of entertainment, evoking strong emotions, visually stunning, and highly engaging. Crucially, he understands his limitations and knows when to set boundaries. With a handful of exceptions such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Spielberg is adept at knowing when to rein it in to maintain the excitement within the realm of “safe” entertainment.
The movie Jaws is an outstanding representation of a two-act film structure. Following its chilling opening scene, the movie invests significant time in creating a rhythm of suspense, with the haunting John Williams soundtrack heightening the sense of danger – a theme that’s often mimicked in comedic contexts too. As the terror and fatalities on Amity Island escalate, the narrative shifts to a struggle between man and nature, where Brody, Hooper, and Quint embark on a mission to remove their menacing adversary from the beaches. This culminates in an exhilarating climax that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
Jaws
is currently streaming on Max, and it will arrive on Netflix on September 1.
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2024-08-24 19:31