Jaws - a horror film set underwater, discuss.

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     Jaw’s is a horror film set underwater. It is the very first of its kind. It tells the story of a serial killing shark off the shores of Amity Island, America. When it was first released to the audience in 1975 it caused a sensation because it revolutionised the film industry with its use of specialist camera technique and effects. This proved to be a challenge for the director, Steven Spielberg, due to the difficulties of filming believable shark attacks in the open sea with a mechanical shark.

   

       Before the opening credits there is effective music. The music is very quiet and slow, you can also hear underwater sounds. This tells the audience where the film is going to be set. A cello has been used for this piece of music as it gives us that slow and smooth effect.

       The seabed is lit, so that the audience are clear about what it is and that the film is set underwater. It is also lit to make us feel tense and uncomfortable. It is important that the environment looks unusual to the audience as it is the very first of its kind and the audience have never seen anything like it before.

        The camera is moving in a wriggling motion but no specific direction, the camera is moving in this way because it is supposed to represent the shark.

        I think Spielberg has chosen to do this because it tells the audience that the shark is in control. I also think that he chose to do this, as we are scared of the unknown.

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       As the camera is manovering through the sea, the music builds up and begins to get louder and faster. The audience are now expecting something to happen with the shark, but it all of a sudden changes to the campfire scene.  

 

    As the scene changes, the music also changes. Now instead of loud, fast music a mouth organ is being played. This happens to try and confuse us, as Spielberg wants us to be on the edge of our seat.

    The light coming of the bonfire is the only light ...

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