Unlike other films, ‘Jaws’ has a surprisingly insignificant screen time given to the enemy. Rather than waste the modest budget of $12 million on special effects, Spielberg relies on alternative tools to create tension and atmosphere. He uses many ‘point of view’ and ‘tracking’ shots alongside non-diegetic music to indicate danger and desperation, and gradually building up tension leading up to a kill. Spielberg’s false hope trick is also a great way of building up tension and preparing the viewer for when the Jack jumps out of the box. Not forgetting the lighting and colour which too play a big part; lots of reds and yellows are used to show danger and anxiety. Spielberg literally has the audience’s emotions in his hands, and is twisting and turning them as much as he can.
Roy Scheider takes the leading role of Chief Brody, and in my opinion fits the role of the frustrated , duty bound character that he is. In certain scenes he proves himself a real family man, and gains that connection between him and the audience that makes them show emotion toward him, almost fearing for his safety. He delivers the film’s most famous line “you’re going to need a bigger boat.” which is memorable not only because it shocks the audience but also because it’s an understatement. Being Chief he is often put under a great deal of pressure and his facial expression shows his desperation and frustration; Especially in that powerful scene with Mrs. Kinter.
The first scene begins as the camera uses a medium shot and moves horizontally capturing the people around the campfire, giving the audience a basic idea of what is happening. Unexpectedly, the young girl Chrissie gets up and makes her way down towards the reasonably safe ocean. The camera uses a tracking shot to follow her in; Showing where she is, and where she is heading. Late night, vulnerable, alone, she gets in the water. Camera switches to an extra long shot, showing her in the water completely alone. After the dialogue between her and the young boy finishes, the camera uses a point of view shot and shows her from bellow. At the same time the soundtrack begins as the suspense begins to rise. Camera gets closer and closer, music getting faster, when suddenly the vigorous tugs begin. Screaming helplessly, struggling to survive…the scene changes, showing the boy calmly relaxing on the beach. Switching back with the tension refilled, she holds on to the buoy giving us the ‘satisfactory sigh’, that maybe, just maybe she will survive; But this isn’t the way the story ends, vicious tugs, screaming, panic and she is tugged under for good.
Though your opinion may differ, I think this is a good opening scene for a few reasons. The attack happens not so far in the film, which makes it rather unpredictable; The suspense captures the viewers’ full attention, making them crave more. Also Spielberg’s false hope trick makes it twice as tense, and three times as entertaining! However I do think an extended death would of made the overall scene more effective.
Another well directed scene was the death of Alex Kinter. The scene begins, diegetic music is heard; sound of people’s laugher, people’s voices, the water hitting the beach; a great way of making the film effective and realistic. Alex strolls out of the water and next to his mother as their dialogue begins, camera using a tracking shot to capture his every move. Meanwhile Brody’s concern and anxiety shows as he mistakes the people in the water for a disaster waiting to happen. Slowly suspense creeps in, and the audience are feeling a little suspicious as the dog goes missing and the floating piece of wood is seen. A familiar theme song is heard and the camera then switches to a tracking shot showing the point of view of the shark; the disaster waiting to happen is now about to happen. Music getting louder and faster as the camera gets closer to the clueless victim. When fully ready to witness the brutal killing, camera switches back to a long shot, then medium shot as the boy is torn to pieces. A wave of panic hit’s the beaches as people run in to the dangerous waters to save their precious children. This point diegetic and non-diegetic music are playing along side each other, which in my opinion is creating a very effective way of showing fear.
It’s not the films objective to deliver a message or show us how we should feel about something. This film has its goal of entertainment and it’s Spielberg’s main interest to entertain you, and clearly this is when he is at his best as the great filmmaker he is. Considering Jaws is now quarter of a century old it has aged incredibly well and it’s as tense and as suspenseful today as it was back in 1975. Spielberg has done something rare, creating fear of not knowing what lurks in the water with us, changing the way we look at the water forever. Now how’s that for powerful filmmaking?
Hard to imagine there are still people out there who haven’t seen ‘Jaws‘. It is suitable for all audiences, and essential viewing for anyone who loves movies. If you are still one of them, I highly recommend you get out there and get a copy, you will never look at the oceans in the same way again… that’s a promises.
