How does Spielberg use a variety of cinematic techniques in Jaws to engage the audience?
How does Spielberg use a variety of cinematic techniques in "Jaws" to engage the audience? Released in 1975 and directed by Steven Spielberg, "Jaws" became the highest grossing film of all time, taking the legendary Star Wars to surpass it. The film was based on the Peter Benchley novel inspired by the Jersey Shore shark attacks, and is set on the small Amity Island, whose residents are terrorised by a Great White Shark. Throughout the movie, Spielberg uses an array of cinematic techniques, such as an effective soundtrack and different camera shots, to create a nerve racking atmosphere which engages the audience from the very beginning. It is the intention of this essay to explore some of the technical variations used in "Jaws" within three set scenes and analyse their effect on the viewers. Firstly, in the first set scene, Spielberg introduces the audience to the "Jaws" theme tune and preconditions us to associate that with danger. The film starts with the title screen, where the non-diegetic soundtrack is first heard. This is then accompanied by an underwater camera, moving through weeds and reeds, which create a sense of uncertainty and fear, as we don't know what is on the other side. Also, the staccato nature of the soundtrack implies danger straight away, thus preconditioning the audience to feel scared when they next hear the music. This powerful theme tune
