Spielberg’s Surprising Reaction to Jaws’ 50th Anniversary Revealed!

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scarcely any films have left such a lasting impact on cinema history as the 1975 classic, Jaws, often hailed as one of the greatest horror movies ever made. This terrifying thriller not only sent shivers down the spines of an entire generation but also revolutionized Hollywood, giving birth to the concept of the summer blockbuster that we recognize today. In the 1970s, people waited for hours to catch a glimpse of this blockbuster on the big screen, and they returned repeatedly until they grew tired of the spectacle. It was an unparalleled phenomenon and propelled young director Steven Spielberg into A-list creative prominence. As we celebrate 50 years since its release this summer, Jaws continues to captivate audiences, even prompting its creator, Spielberg himself, to reminisce about the film that launched his legendary career.

In a conversation with Deadline, the movie director shared that rewatching his iconic shark film, which first caused nationwide panic 50 years ago, was a special experience for him. Unlike other times when he watches his movies as a critical director assessing his own work, this time he could enjoy it like any regular viewer. Regarding Spielberg’s thoughts on Jaws, he kept it straightforward:

I liked it!

It’s a testament to his skill as a director that he can still admire one of his earliest projects and find pleasure in it, rather than just being objective about it. Despite having a large body of work, Jaws stands out as a particularly shining gem. The fear generated without the shark being prominently displayed is commendable, making the movie still chilling even upon repeat viewings when you know what’s going to happen. Unlike some filmmakers who may look back on their early works with discomfort, Spielberg can appreciate his initial successes and even enjoy them as a spectator would.

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Reflecting on my personal experience, revisiting Jaws was quite a challenge for me, as I found myself watching it not just as a fan, but also with apprehension, fearing that the traumatic memories of creating this iconic film might resurface. Making Jaws was no walk in the park; the decision to film in the ocean resulted in the mechanical shark malfunctioning, the sea’s roughness spoiling shots, and equipment deterioration. To add to the woes, we were constantly writing new script pages during production, pushing our budget beyond its limits. Fortunately, our efforts paid off, and we managed to recoup the costs and even make a profit for the studio. However, for years after production, Jaws has been a source of post-traumatic stress for me.

I find it astounding to think that more than five decades have passed since Steven Spielberg embarked on his cinematic journey, revolutionizing the way we experience films. As blockbuster season approaches, movies like Superman, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, and Jurassic World: Rebirth remind us of the immense impact this visionary director has had. The nail-biting suspense that Jaws instilled in audiences during the summer of 1975 still resonates today, and it’s incredible to see Spielberg reflect fondly on this timeless masterpiece as we continue to cherish it.

You have the chance to watch the classic movie “Jaws” again at your convenience, simply by subscribing to Peacock and streaming it now. If you’re curious about upcoming summer blockbusters premiering in cinemas this year, be sure to check out our 2025 movie release schedule for all the details.

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2025-06-30 18:39