Behind-the-scenes tales about the creation of Jaws are nearly as well-known as the movie itself. Filming this groundbreaking summer blockbuster proved to be a living hell according to everyone involved. Interestingly enough, it’s said that director Steven Spielberg experienced real-life nightmares following production, as making the film was an incredibly distressing ordeal for him personally.
In the upcoming National Geographic documentary titled “Jaws @ 50: The Complete Behind-the-scenes Account“, premiering on July 10 through Hulu or Disney+, Steven Spielberg discusses his challenges during the production of the iconic film, which ended up running over budget and schedule. During the filming at Martha’s Vineyard, Spielberg faced numerous obstacles, but it wasn’t until after production wrapped that he truly encountered significant difficulties. He mentioned…
After the movie shoot in Martha’s Vineyard ended, I experienced a severe bout of anxiety. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, thought I might be having a heart attack, and struggled to take deep breaths. I repeatedly went to the bathroom, splashed water on my face, and shivered uncontrollably.
According to all reports, Spielberg seemed calm and collected throughout the entire filming on location, despite possibly feeling anxious inside. He handled an impressive array of problems exceptionally well, including the frequent malfunctions of the mechanical shark. Despite the chaotic production process, it’s hard to believe that he didn’t encounter significant challenges until after the shoot had finished.
As an esteemed movie critic, I find myself reflecting on the apparent relaxation of the Oscar-winning director during the production. With the ability to stretch a bit without jeopardizing the rest of the team’s wellbeing, he seemed to have surrendered to the creative process. Remarkably, this man of many accolades took responsibility for the prolonged shoot, keeping the crew on location far longer than initially planned. Spielberg further elaborated…
On the island, I strived to maintain my composure while also ensuring the wellbeing of the crew. I felt a strong sense of accountability towards them, wanting us to remain there until it was necessary to leave.
Despite Steven Spielberg’s brief mental strain, production on Jaws continued for a few more months after departing Martha’s Vineyard. Additional work was carried out in a water tank at MGM, and various additional shots were taken wherever possible, even including the film editor’s swimming pool.
In 1975, the movie that was released became the highest-earning film at the time and a significant cultural phenomenon. Yet, it appears that Steven Spielberg didn’t entirely find vindication in its success, as he confessed. He admitted that for years following, he would still experience nightmares, feeling as if he were still directing the movie. In his own words…
After watching that movie, it gave me a real struggle, and the triumph was incredible, but it didn’t prevent those terrifying nightmares. Every now and then, I would wake up in the dead of night drenched in sweat, with my bedsheets soaked through. Back then, we didn’t have the term ‘PTSD,’ but for years afterward, I had recurring nightmares about directing Jaws. It felt like the movie was never-ending because it continued to haunt me even when I was still working on it.
Without a doubt, Steven Spielberg’s body of work stands as a testament to itself, leading him to direct some of the most beloved and financially successful movies in history. The film Jaws, in particular, catapulted his career, though it required immense effort and personal sacrifice for him to reach this point. It seems that we are approaching the 50th anniversary of the release of his iconic shark-themed thriller. As a devotee, I firmly believe that Spielberg should take pride in the incredible achievements he and his team made so many years ago.
Fans can check out Jaws for themselves by streaming it with a Peacock subscription.
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2025-06-20 21:40