Unpacking “Jaws” 50 Years Later
“Jaws,” the classic film, seems set to remain a cinematic mainstay even half a century from now.
A new documentary from National Geographic, titled “Jaws @50: A Definitive Inside Story,” directed by Laurent Bouzereau, gives a detailed look at Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking 1975 shark thriller. It features rare archival clips and insights from both famous directors and conservationists.
Spielberg revisits some of his earlier works, discussing moments like the difficult production and the Oscars snub for Best Director.
“Making a ‘Jaws’ was truly a transformative experience for me,” Spielberg shared in the documentary.
Production Challenges
The crew faced numerous hurdles while shooting in Martha’s Vineyard back in 1974.
“Honestly, there was nothing glamorous about bringing ‘Jaws’ to life,” Spielberg admitted.
From ballooning budgets to mechanical failures with the shark and difficult weather, the process was fraught with complications. Not to mention, lead actor Robert Shaw was battling alcoholism, which added to the tensions, especially with co-star Richard Dreyfuss.
“I thought I might never work again after making ‘Jaws’,” Spielberg reflected.
George Lucas, the mastermind behind Star Wars, noted how the struggles during production were widely discussed. Spielberg revealed that an unnamed actor even told him around two months into filming that he wouldn’t find work afterward due to the perceived disaster of the production.
“That actor’s comments really hit hard,” Spielberg recalled, calling it “sleazy” and damaging to morale.
But even amidst the chaos, Spielberg was determined. “I never once thought about quitting,” he expressed.
Universal Pictures’ Sidney Shainberg had flown out to see the situation firsthand and, during their meeting, voiced doubts about completing the film.
“I insisted on finishing it,” Spielberg said firmly.
Martin Scorsese also visited the set, which added an element of sympathy for Spielberg during a tough time.
Ultimately, production wrapped up before its 1975 release, and Spielberg described the process as “traumatic,” yet worthwhile.
Personal Toll
Spielberg revealed in the documentary that he experienced a panic attack after filming. “I was mentally exhausted for months,” he said, describing one episode where he thought he was having a heart attack.
“I couldn’t catch my breath,” he recounted, feeling a heavy sense of responsibility for the crew’s well-being.
Even after filming concluded in Martha’s Vineyard, they had to continue for another two months. Spielberg was resolute in not giving up.
He recalled waking up drenched in sweat from nightmares about the film.
On-Set Tensions
The off-screen dynamics between Shaw and Dreyfuss were challenging.
“There were moments where they clashed,” Spielberg noted. “Yet, it seems their rivalry added an interesting layer to their performances.”
Ian Shaw, Robert’s son, shared insights about their complex relationship, noting how Robert was often frustrated with Richard’s demeanor. Nevertheless, he recognized the talent Richard possessed.
Oscar Snubs
“Jaws” snagged four Oscar nominations, winning three, notably for John Williams’ score. However, Spielberg faced an unexpected exclusion from the Best Director category.
“When a film is close to winning awards, you can’t help but feel anxious about your own potential recognition,” Spielberg explained, expressing surprise and disappointment over the snub.
He acknowledged that he, like many others, favored “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” during the 1976 Oscars.
Cultural Impact
The iconic “Land Shark” sketch on “Saturday Night Live” parodied the film during its inaugural season in 1975.
“I was in the audience when the ‘land shark’ appeared,” Spielberg recalled with amusement.
The skit featured a comedic take on a shark posing as a door-to-door salesman, which surprisingly resonated with audiences. Spielberg thought it was hilarious.
“Jaws @50: The Definitive Inside Story” is currently available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
