Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse.
Jaws is a 1975 thriller directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss. The story follows a police chief, marine biologist, and professional shark hunter who pursue a great white shark terrorizing a beach town. Based on Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel.
UNDER THE LENS: JOHN WILLIAMS’ SCORE AND EDITING
Score: John Williams’ iconic two-note motif is perhaps cinema’s most recognizable theme. The simplicity of the alternating E and F notes creates mounting tension, increasing in tempo as the shark approaches. Williams understood that less is more – the score is absent during many attack scenes, making the silence as terrifying as the music. The theme becomes a character itself, warning of danger even when the shark isn’t visible.
Editing: Verna Fields’ masterful editing earned her an Oscar. The decision to rarely show the shark (partly due to mechanical difficulties) created unbearable suspense. The opening sequence demonstrates this perfectly – we never see the shark attack the swimmer, only her reactions and the violent movement of the water. The editing maintains this tension throughout, cutting between reactions, underwater shots, and glimpses of the shark’s effects rather than the creature itself.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The USS Indianapolis monologue by Quint is a masterclass in character development and performance
- The practical effects of the shark attacks still hold up remarkably well
- The chemistry between the three lead actors creates authentic camaraderie
QUOTABLE QUOTE
Chief Brody: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
How does fear of the unknown affect our perception of danger? Would Jaws be as effective if we saw the shark more frequently?
CONCLUSION
Jaws redefined the summer blockbuster while maintaining artistic integrity. Spielberg’s direction, combined with stellar performances and technical innovation, created a thriller that transcends its genre roots. The film expertly balances character development with suspense, making us care about the protagonists before putting them in danger. While the mechanical shark’s limitations occasionally show, these technical constraints forced creative solutions that ultimately enhanced the film’s impact. The final confrontation delivers a satisfying payoff to the building tension, though some might argue the shark’s demise stretches credibility. Despite this minor flaw, Jaws remains a masterpiece of suspense filmmaking that influenced generations of directors and forever changed how audiences view the ocean.
