Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is a cultural landmark in American cinema. The film, released in 1975, introduced audiences to the terrorizing threat of a great white shark and revolutionized the way Hollywood perceived and marketed blockbusters. It became an instant sensation, grossing $470 million at the box office worldwide and earning Spielberg his first Academy Award nomination as Best Director. Jaws was also responsible for positioning the young filmmaker as a new force in Hollywood and a powerful storyteller.
Teaching students how this iconic film was made and the creative mind behind it can be an excellent way to encourage their interest in filmmaking. Here are some ideas on how educators can use Jaws to teach students about film production.
First, it is essential to understand the context of the film’s production. Spielberg was only twenty-nine years old when he directed Jaws, and the film was plagued with budgetary problems, technical difficulties, and unpredictable weather. Spielberg was forced to improvise and make changes on the fly, leading to some of the film’s most memorable scenes, such as the slow zoom shot on Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) when the shark attacks for the first time.
It’s essential to show students how Jaws broke new ground in cinematic storytelling. The film’s use of music, with the iconic score by composer John Williams, was instrumental in elevating the film to the status of a Hollywood blockbuster. The infamous Jaws theme, composed of two notes – E and F, is now ubiquitous with terror. Students can also explore how Spielberg used camera techniques, such as a point-of-view shot, to create the illusion of a shark’s movements.
Another aspect of Jaws that is interesting to explore is how the film changed Hollywood’s marketing and distribution system. The film was the first to use a wide release strategy rather than a traditional limited release, which meant the film was shown in a more significant number of theatres simultaneously. This strategy proved incredibly profitable for the studio and became the industry standard for blockbusters, setting the stage for future releases like Star Wars and E.T.
Educators can also guide students to understand how the themes of Jaws remain relevant today. The film speaks to the dangers of ignoring scientific and ecological warnings about the environment and the overfishing of sharks. It also touches on themes of redemption and overcoming one’s fears.
Finally, students can learn about how Jaws influenced Steven Spielberg’s career, with the director going on to create a string of critically acclaimed films such as E.T., Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, and Schindler’s List. Spielberg’s creative vision for Jaws helped shape his legacy as one of the most celebrated filmmakers of all time.
