When someone describes a movie as “old-fashioned,” they usually don’t mean it in a positive light. An old-fashioned movie is one that feels outdated or disconnected from contemporary styles, perhaps even a bit sluggish in its storytelling pace. However, F1 is different; it’s an old-fashioned gem in the most flattering sense. It harks back to the grand blockbusters of the ’80s and ’90s, a period characterized by grandiose filmmaking, visual spectacle, and charismatic movie stars, rather than relying on intellectual properties. Despite any minor flaws it may have, there’s no denying that F1 certainly isn’t slow-paced.
The slightly nostalgic style aligns well with the theme of F1, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and life’s hard-earned wisdom over contemporary values and technology. The protagonist, Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt), was once a dominating figure in racing, but suffered a dramatic downfall on the F1 circuit. Now, years later, Sonny struggles to make ends meet as a freelance driver. He assists a team in winning the 24 Hours of Daytona, only to decline their offer for full-time employment, instead embarking on a journey to California in his rundown campervan, seeking opportunities in the Baja 1000 race.
Sonny never manages to reach his destination when out of the blue, an old acquaintance named Ruben, strikingly handsome like Javier Bardem, catches up with him. Ruben extends an irresistible proposition: the chance to steer an F1 vehicle. It’s true that Ruben’s APXGP team is struggling at the bottom of the sport and teetering on the brink of bankruptcy; if they don’t win one of the remaining nine races this season, Ruben will lose his company. Consequently, he needs Sonny not just to drive for APXGP but also to guide Ruben’s other driver Joshua, a promising racer with limited experience on a real F1 track.
Sonny declines Ruben’s proposition, but it’s evident he finds it enticing. Curious, he inquires from a waitress at a roadside café: What would you do if a friend presented you with an offer that seemed almost unbelievable? She queries him about the amount of money he’s proposing.
““It’s not about the money,” he replies.
“So what’s it about?” she asks back.
Sonny ponders the question thoughtfully beforehand, and throughout the movie, known as F1, he’s seen trying to unravel that mystery. It’s worth noting that this topic might seem unusual for a film with an estimated budget of $300 million (a figure contested by F1’s producers). Despite the budget controversy, F1 seems like a chance for director Joseph Kosinski to apply the insights he gained from creating the highly engaging movie, Top Gun: Maverick, to the realm of open-wheel racing.
Primarily, it signifies a method of execution that emphasizes genuine stunts and actual driving experiences, vividly depicted through close-up shots captured by cameras attached to the vehicles while moving at high speeds. In the world of F1, Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda make you feel like you’re sitting in the driver’s seat – leaning over the wheels, peering out side view mirrors – of an F1 car. The outcome is visually stunning and a substantial advancement in how racing is portrayed on the big screen.
Although the adrenaline-pumping world of car racing might not fully compare to the intense drama of air combat in dogfighting or low-altitude missions, the action movie “Top Gun: Maverick” kept things fresh with diverse scenes and unexpected turns (such as dogfights, G-force challenges, chases). On the other hand, Formula One racing, as depicted in the movies, seems to be primarily driving. Despite its exceptional execution, it can seem less varied – particularly over a lengthy 2 hours and 36 minutes – especially for someone like me who is new to F1 and finds it challenging to grasp the complex strategies and maneuvers, even with commentators explaining the action during racing sequences.
One key factor that contributed significantly to the success of “Top Gun: Maverick” was the original “Top Gun”, as it wove legacy sequel storylines such as Maverick’s rekindled rivalry with Iceman, and a deeply emotional narrative revolving around Maverick’s quest to mend his relationship with Goose’s son, Rooster. Remarkably, “Maverick” offers heart-pounding action alongside moments that could leave you in tears from a poignant exchange between two tough-guy characters.
In a less impactful manner, F1 attempts to imbue Sonny Hayes’ comeback in Formula One with the same emotional depth, however, it falls short. Pitt portrays an impressive figure as he saunters around the APXGP pit in his flawlessly disheveled racing attire, and occasionally drops some casual surf-inspired philosophical sayings like (“Having hope is not a strategy! Make your own luck!”). Furthermore, Idris Elba fits seamlessly into the character of the arrogant newcomer who can’t stand this old man dictating to him. (Did you know Brad Pitt is 61?)
In the movie, my role isn’t about venturing into uncharted territory in terms of the dynamic between an experienced coach and a cocky newcomer, which is quite typical in sports films. My character, Pitt, has a relationship with the technical director, Kerry Condon, that doesn’t offer much novelty. The dialogue scenes often feel like pre-game analysis before a highly anticipated live sporting event; you can’t skip them, so you just have to patiently endure until the exciting parts come along.
The film triumphs through sheer confidence; Pitt’s charm, Idris’ witty remarks, and particularly Kosinski’s confident handling of the spectacular flying sequences are key. In the movie Top Gun: Maverick, a tale about an aging expert given one final opportunity to shine as a mentor for the new generation, there was a recurring line that echoed like a motto: “It’s not the aircraft, it’s the pilot.
F1 often hints at “The car isn’t responsible, it’s the driver” in various scenarios, though never explicitly states it. Moreover, when discussing action films, F1 suggests that the quality of the movie doesn’t depend on its theme but rather who is directing it. This seems like an antiquated yet insightful perspective.
RATING: 7/10
50 Reasons Why ‘Jaws’ Is Still Great 50 Years Later
1. John Williams’ Incredible Music
The classic movie “Jaws” is predominantly recognized for various aspects, but undeniably, the standout feature is likely John Williams’ timeless theme music. According to Spielberg (as shared in the documentary Music By John Williams on Disney+), he was a devotee of traditional symphonic film scores. In the mid-1970s, John Williams was one of the rare composers still crafting such grandiose, old-fashioned scores, which is why Spielberg, a fan of Williams’, enlisted him to compose the music for The Sugarland Express and subsequently Jaws.
When Williams presented his “Jaws” idea — a haunting sequence of two notes repeated — Spielberg initially mistook it for a joke. Williams defended the concept and explained why he believed the music would resonate with the film. Eventually, Spielberg was convinced, and now acknowledges that a significant portion of Jaws‘s immense success can be attributed to John Williams’ indelible “duhhhh-duh.
2. The PG Rating
To this day, the classic film “Jaws” retains a PG rating from the MPAA. At that time, there was no PG-13 rating available, which is one reason why. If it were re-rated today, it would likely receive a PG-13, or possibly even an R. Although the movie isn’t filled with continuous violence, the shark attacks are quite gory and graphic, featuring decapitated heads, severed limbs, and large bursts of blood from beneath the ocean’s surface. Thus, its PG rating seems questionable.
However, the significance of “Jaws”‘ PG rating goes beyond mere surprise. This rating allowed the film to be aired on television with minimal edits – not just premium cable channels. For instance, I first watched “Jaws” when I was around 10 years old, during a Friday night broadcast on WPIX 11 in New Jersey. My parents were strict about R-rated movies, but anything that aired on TV was acceptable. Therefore, I was permitted to watch “Jaws” at an age that was perhaps too young for me – and the experience has stayed with me ever since. I believe many of my contemporaries have similar stories, as a significant number of budding film enthusiasts saw “Jaws” as children, an event that likely altered their perception of movies’ power forever.
3. One of the Greatest Movie Posters Ever
The remarkable success of the movie “Jaws” wasn’t due to any single production or release element; rather, it was the result of a multitude of shrewd decisions, one of which was the creation of the iconic poster. This artwork, depicting a shark rising from the deep to attack an unaware swimmer, was crafted by artist Roger Kastel. Interestingly, this image was originally used for the paperback cover of Peter Benchley’s “Jaws,” which helped boost the book’s popularity. Universal Studios then repurposed it with minor adjustments for their poster, and it proved to be just as effective in that context.
4. It Has An Amazing Trailer, Too
The poster for “Jaws” often steals the show when it comes to marketing, but its trailer is equally impressive. It starts with Percy Rodriguez’s ominous narration over underwater shots: “There is a creature that has survived millions of years, driven by neither reason nor compassion. It lives only to kill, devouring everything in its path. It seems as though God created the devil and gave it… jaws.” I can’t wait to see it!
5. The Opening Sequence
In both the poster and trailer, they heavily reference the opening scene of Jaws, where a young woman named Chrissie (played by Susan Backlinie) goes for a swim at night and is brutally attacked by an unknown sea creature, which turns out to be a shark. Even after 50 years, this sequence continues to be incredibly impactful; it’s both heartbreaking and terrifying, providing the ideal means of introducing the danger and power of Jaws’ primary (yet largely unseen) antagonist. (Spoiler alert: It’s a shark.)
6. Alcohol Saves a Man’s Life
In a chilling scene at Amity Island, Chrissie perishes in the sea due to her date’s excessive drinking. This incident serves a dual purpose: firstly, it sets a tone for dark humor that persists throughout Jaws, as the survival of this clumsy drunk solely due to his intoxication is quite ironic. Secondly, it subtly introduces alcohol as a recurring theme in the film. Many characters are seen tipsy or even drunk throughout the movie, including the main protagonists. This incident hints at the pervasive drinking culture in this vacation spot, making it appear as a place where alcohol consumption is prevalent and often overlooked.
7. The Unseen Menace
In a notable declaration, Orson Welles asserted that the adversary of art lies in the void of constraints. The film “Jaws” might serve as the epitome of triumphing over limitations for the sake of superior artistry. Due to technical difficulties with its mechanical shark, the crew encountered numerous challenges capturing even a few usable frames of the robotic great white. With no other choice, Spielberg ingeniously adapted and kept the shark primarily off-screen, suggesting its presence through perspective camera work and John Williams’ ominous score.
This unconventional creative move proved beneficial and serendipitously fortunate. By portraying Jaws as an unseen terror, viewers were allowed to cultivate the menace in their minds. Generally speaking, a spectator’s imagination is more intimidating than anything filmmakers can physically depict on screen. Additionally, the absence of poor practical effects has contributed to “Jaws” being regarded as a classic. Even the most advanced mechanical shark from 1975 would have appeared dated by 2025 standards. Since we seldom see him, the movie seems even more timeless. It’s plausible that if the shark had functioned properly, “Jaws” may not be as revered today.
8. “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
In the realm of cinematic lore, one iconic quote that stands out is from the classic movie “Jaws.” The words were penned by Peter Benchley and Carl Gottlieb, but it was Roy Scheider who brought them to life in an unforgettable way. However, Verna Fields’ exceptional editing is what truly etched this line into our memories. She masterfully synchronized the shark’s entrance, my sudden jump, and then delivered the punchline with a slow build: “You’re going to need a bigger boat.
9. It Has Some of the Best Modern Posters of Any Film
Even though the Roger Kastel poster seems unbeatable, it hasn’t deterred numerous artists from giving it a shot. Notably, films have sparked countless modern posters from specialized labels such as Mondo. Some of these creations are stunning; others are exceptionally brilliant. Amongst them, my top pick is this one designed by Laurent Durieux.
10. Everyone Looks So Ordinary
50 years ago, as a cinephile, I can attest to the fact that Jaws is still talked about today in terms of its groundbreaking impact on modern blockbusters. However, if you were to watch it now, you’d find that it bears little resemblance to the action-packed movies we see today. It has minimal special effects and takes a significant portion of the film for the characters to venture out onto open waters.
Before they reach the water, there are tense sequences, but there are also lengthy conversations between the characters. They discuss their hopes, their struggles, their apprehensions. They’re not superheroes with chiseled abs; instead, they have unkempt beards, thick glasses, and worn-out jackets. They’re ordinary individuals, which makes their journey all the more captivating because it mirrors our own experiences.
11. It Turned Steven Spielberg Into “Steven Spielberg”
Contrary to popular belief, Jaws wasn’t Steven Spielberg’s first foray into feature film direction. By then, he had been a director in both movies and television for over five years. However, it was this film that catapulted him to stardom in Hollywood, leading to his subsequent projects like Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Raiders of the Lost Ark, which further cemented his reputation as one of the most influential directors. If Jaws had failed, or if Spielberg had dismissed John Williams’ iconic music, or if the shark hadn’t worked and the film lacked its distinctive charm, it’s hard to say where his career might have gone next.
12. The Mechanical Shark Was Named Bruce
In a humorous twist, the malfunctioning mechanical shark that failed to function was given the nickname Bruce. This name, it’s said, originated from Steven Spielberg’s attorney. It’s hard not to laugh at such an amusing moniker for a terrifying cinematic beast.
13. The Shark Attacks Mentioned in the Film Are Real
Over the course of time, some shark specialists argue that the film “Jaws” has contributed to the general population’s fear of sharks, and I believe there is some merit to this claim. However, one intriguing aspect of “Jaws”, despite its sensationalized portrayal of shark attacks, is that the historical attack instances discussed by the characters actually occurred. For instance, in their conversation, Brody and Hooper refer to a 1916 attack at the Jersey shore. This event wasn’t fabricated for the script; four individuals were indeed killed by sharks on New Jersey beaches during that summer. Such minor details lend an air of authenticity and amplify the movie’s horror.
14. The Name “Quint”
The name ‘Quint’ in the movie Jaws is derived from the Latin word for ‘fifth.’ Significantly, Quint becomes the fifth character to meet an untimely end at the jaws of the shark, following Chrissie Watkins, Alex Kintner, Ben Gardner, and Michael’s sailing instructor.
15. The Tiny Body Count
Discussing Quint as the fifth casualty of the shark in the movie “Jaws”, one might think that it’s a film filled with continuous violence and shark attacks. However, this isn’t entirely accurate (given its PG rating). The reason is that Spielberg has mastered the art of making each attack impactful.
16. The Shark P.O.V Shots
In the movie “Jaws”, it’s not just what you see on screen that matters. It’s also about what remains hidden and who is doing the watching. Many scenes are shown from the shark’s viewpoint, a decision largely made due to practical reasons to reduce the screen time of Bruce (the actor). However, these point-of-view shots have a profound psychological effect on the audience. They make us identify with whatever character we are supposed to empathize with – in this case, a ravenous shark that preys upon innocents. This subtle and eerie sense of being a voyeur adds an extra layer of intrigue to the film.
17. It’s Not Just the Shark Kept Off-Screen
In Spielberg’s film, his cautious portrayal of shark attacks doesn’t stop when the camera moves away from the beach. He employs a similar visual technique in scenes like the autopsy of Bruce’s victim, choosing not to reveal the gruesome details on screen. Instead, he keeps the corpse out of the frame entirely and has Hooper describe an endless list of gory wounds. This allows the audience to use their imagination and envision the horror themselves – a far more terrifying experience than any scene Spielberg could have shown us.
18. “Wanna Get Drunk and Fool Around?”
One of the most charming brief instances found in the movie “Jaws” occurs during a tranquil scene between Roy Scheider and Lorraine Gary while their children are enjoying themselves on the beach. In a light-hearted manner, she proposes, “Fancy getting tipsy and spending some fun time together?” To which he responds affirmatively, “Absolutely!” Interestingly, even though “Jaws” is recognized for setting the standard for modern blockbusters, such an endearing, flirtatious moment like this would be unlikely to feature in a contemporary blockbuster.
19. John Williams’ Score Is Sometimes a Clue to What Will Happen
As a film enthusiast, every time John Williams’ iconic score swells, my heart pounds like a drum, for I sense the great white shark is lurking just beneath the surface. Director Spielberg cleverly toys with this anticipation throughout the movie, creating suspenseful moments that leave you on the edge of your seat.
One such instance occurs during a scene where Williams’ score is noticeably absent – and that’s when you know something unusual is happening. The kids in the water are not the shark, but merely pretending to be it. If you keep an ear out for the music, you might even catch on before the Amity police do!
20. Beware Pruny Fingers
In the film “Jaws,” the shark’s dark sense of humor is showcased in the scene where Alex Kitner meets his tragic end. Prior to his demise, he asks his mom if he can stay a bit longer in the water. She checks his fingers for wrinkles and grants him an additional 10 minutes in the ocean. Regrettably, poor Alex dies within five minutes. To put it another way, in the perspective of “Jaws,” every time our mothers told us to get out of the water because we were getting pruny, they were right all along. If you ignore your mother’s advice and stay in the water after your fingers wrinkle, “Jaws” warns with a chilling glint in its lifeless black doll’s eye, you will perish.
21. The Dolly Zoom
Alex Kitner’s demise triggers one of the most iconic cinematic shots ever, as the camera swiftly focuses on Roy Scheider’s face while the scenery appears to change around him. This effect is created by pulling back the lens while simultaneously moving the physical camera closer, which is referred to as a “dolly zoom.” However, this incredibly impactful shot is so closely linked with this movie that many people refer to it simply as “The Jaws Shot.
22. The Moving Pier Scene
The movie “Jaws” contains numerous remarkable scenes that sometimes get overshadowed by more well-known sequences. While everyone discusses the iconic yellow barrels, they often overlook an earlier scene where a group of inexperienced fishermen attempt to catch the shark. This shark nearly consumes one of them as it drags half a fishing pier behind it. One man struggles to climb onto the remaining part of the pier as the rest floats towards him – hinting that the shark, nicknamed Bruce, is getting closer and closer. In this instance, the fisherman narrowly escapes, but luck was not on the side of other Amity residents.
23. The Killer Shark Arcade Game
A delightful detail includes the initial scene showcasing Amity beaches teeming with activity as a man engages in an old arcade game titled “Killer Shark.” Although it appears to be a humorous nod to the movie ‘Jaws’, this game was genuinely produced by Sega during the early era of video games. To clarify, it’s not a traditional video game; instead, it falls under the category of an “electro-mechanical hunting game.
24. Mrs. Kintner’s Speech
If “Jaws” was simply an outstanding thriller from the ’70s, that would have been enough to make it a timeless classic. However, what sets it apart as a masterpiece is its skillful combination of horror, humor, suspense, and terror with genuine emotion – and nowhere is this more evident than in the scene where Mrs. Kintner, the mother of the boy who lost his fingers to Jaws, confronts Chief Brody, slaps him, and reproaches him for keeping the beaches open after a girl was devoured by a shark a few days earlier. (It’s important to note that this occurred under duress from the mayor.) This scene powerfully underscores the tragic aspects of a story that can sometimes be incredibly exciting, if not downright funny.
25. “Give Us a Kiss”
In an additional touching moment added to the movie, following Mrs. Kintner’s chilling speech, Brody spends the evening at home with his son. The boy playfully imitates Brody’s tired movements, and their interaction ends with Brody asking for a kiss from his son. When asked why, Brody responds, “I need it.” This heartwarming scene was not originally scripted; instead, it came about when director Steven Spielberg observed Roy Scheider jokingly interacting with Jay Mello, the actor portraying his on-screen son, and decided to incorporate their improvised exchange into the film.
26. Brody’s Glass of Wine
At Hooper’s arrival at Brody’s house with a bottle of wine, instead of using his wine glass, Brody decides to pour his drink directly into his water glass, filling it completely to the brim, even as Hooper tries unsuccessfully to halt him. After all, the man had just endured a tough day – he was insulted and reprimanded by a widow! Thank goodness Hooper didn’t have to witness Brody drinking straight from the bottle.
27. When In Doubt, Shoot in the Pool
In the film “Jaws“, when Ben Gardner’s severed head emerges from a hole in his boat is one of its most startling jump scares. This effect, however, was enhanced not by the original shooting but rather a reshoot, which took place in Verna Fields’ swimming pool. The filmmakers found the initial version lacked the desired level of terror, so they poured milk into Fields’ pool to simulate the murky depths of the Atlantic. This ingeniously low-budget trick proved surprisingly effective.
28. “Cage Goes in the Water…”
In the scene where Brody and Hooper are preparing the Orca for their shark hunt, Quint notices a shark cage Hooper is bringing on board and gives it a wary look. The seasoned fisherman, with a hint of skepticism, remarks, “The cage goes into the water…you go into the water…the shark’s in the water…our shark.” Instead of expressing his doubts verbally, he decides to sing a mocking version of the old sea shanty, “Spanish Ladies,” adding another memorable moment to the film Jaws. This instance, unlike the shark attacks, focuses on the dynamics between the characters.
In the process of loading the Orca for their shark hunt, Quint notices a cage that Hooper is bringing aboard and gives it a suspicious glance. The experienced fisherman, hinting at his skepticism, says, “The cage will enter the water…you’ll enter the water…the shark will be in the water…our shark.” Instead of verbally expressing his doubts, he chooses to sing a sarcastic rendition of the old sea shanty, “Spanish Ladies,” creating another unforgettable scene in Jaws. Unlike the shark attacks, this scene highlights the relationships between the characters.
29. Its Unique Structure
In every screenwriting guide, it’s recommended that writers adhere to a three-act structure: setup, confrontation, and resolution. However, the iconic movie “Jaws” deviates from this pattern with its distinctive two-act structure. The initial half primarily focuses on the land, where Brody is investigating shark attacks and eventually assembles Hooper and Quint. The second act commences when the Orca boat is first seen through the jaws of a shark trophy in Quint’s cabin. The remainder of the film unfolds within the tense and constricted spaces of the Orca, both above and below deck, presenting conflict, confrontation, and resolution in a way that differs from the typical Hollywood movie structure.
30. Say Goodbye to Amity
In a daring move reminiscent of Spielberg, when Jaws departs Amity, it never reappears. There are no sequences showing Lorraine Gary worrying at home or scenes featuring jittery swimmers on the beach. Even though the shark appears to be lurking in the shallow waters near the island, once Brody, Hooper, and Quint embark on their journey, land becomes almost imperceptible on the horizon. This gives their struggle a near-legendary feel. Ultimately, it’s a solitary battle between man and monster.
31. Richard Dreyfuss’ Plastic Cup Crush
As the intense struggle between the Orca and the great white shark unfolds in “Jaws”, the movie manages to retain its light-hearted tone. Initially, Quint and Hooper show a strong distrust towards each other’s expertise and methods, and their interactions early on highlight their tension, similar to the scene with the shark cage and “Spanish Ladies”. After departing from Amity, Quint swigs from a can of beer before crushing it, to which Hooper responds by smashing his plastic cup as well.
32. Foreshadowing the Shark’s Demise
Following their departure on the Orca, Brody almost detonates a cluster of compressed air tanks accidentally, prompting Hooper to caution him about their explosive nature. True to Hooper’s words, this is how Brody eventually eliminates the shark during the dramatic finale. In a foolish move, Bruce tinkers with those tanks (one becomes lodged in his mouth), and as expected, they explode – following Brody’s gunfire.
33. Speaking of Foreshadowing…
In the movie, the compressed air tanks aren’t the only instance of foreshadowing. Characters, like Quint, often hint at their own fate. In his very first dialogue, Quint seems to predict his death when he says, “I’ll catch this shark for you, but it ain’t gonna be easy.” As he interrupts a meeting about Amity’s shark emergency, he delivers a long monologue where he warns, “This shark, swallow you whole. Little shakin’, little tenderizin’, an’ down you go.” True to his words, as Jaws begins to sink the Orca, there’s a little shaking, a little tenderizing, and then Quint meets his end in the shark’s toothy maw.
34. The Barrels
In the second half of the movie “Jaws,” the crew on the Orca aren’t actually pursuing a real shark, but rather a collection of yellow buoyant barrels. These barrels are attached to ropes and harpoons that the shark supposedly drags around the Atlantic Ocean. The filmmakers intended for these barrels to slow down or even stop the shark by bringing it back to the surface, but no matter how many times they stab Bruce (the mechanical shark), he just keeps swimming. These barrels serve several purposes in the movie – they keep the plot moving even though the mechanical shark was malfunctioning, they stand out against the gray and blue ocean backdrop, and as they accumulate, they underscore the immense size and power of this elusive shark without having to show it too much.
35. The U.S.S. Indianapolis Speech
In a brief pause during their shark hunting expedition, the Orca team share several rounds of drinks, which encourages Quint to share his reason for his intense dislike of sharks. As a member of the crew on the USS Indianapolis, a genuine Navy cruiser sunk during World War II by torpedoes, he had witnessed firsthand the horror of shark attacks. The survivors of the wreckage not only battled dehydration and starvation but also had to protect themselves from the sharks that patrolled the waters near the sinking ship, attacking and devouring survivors. The speech delivered by Quint, written by Shaw and poignantly performed, is a chilling reminder of the immense power and terror that sharks can instill without any on-screen violence being shown. The exact origins of the speech have been a topic of debate among those involved in its creation, including Howard Sackler who wrote an early draft of the script, John Milius who fleshed out Sackler’s ideas, and Shaw himself, a renowned writer of novels, plays, and screenplays.
36. Scheider’s Legit Scar
The Indianapolis speech scene also features an impactful moment as Quint and Hooper exchange stories about their sea battles, leaving Brody, who has been terrified of open water and hasn’t entered the ocean until now, hesitantly participating. In this tense moment, Brody reveals his own scar – a real one from his appendix surgery, not a prop added for dramatic effect during filming.
37. When Great Shark Footage Contradicted the Script, They Rewrote the Script
In Peter Benchley’s novel “Jaws,” Brody is the sole survivor while Hooper, unfortunately, perishes. This happens when Hooper ventures into a shark cage underwater, and the shark ravages the cage and devours Hooper piece by piece. The initial plan for the movie was similar, but the team tasked with capturing footage of a real shark attacking a shark cage came back with unexpected results. Instead of following the script, the shark got entangled in the cage’s cables and proceeded to thrash around violently, damaging the cage while the stand-in for Hooper in the scene managed to swim clear. This incident did not align with the original script, but the captivating footage was so impressive (especially considering the mechanical shark often looked damaged in the film) that it led to a rewrite of the ending. As a result, the shark destroyed the cage, Hooper escaped and hid underwater, only resurfacing once Brody had defeated their aquatic enemy.
38. Quint’s Death Was Improved In Rewrites
As a cinephile, I must say that in the book version of this story, Quint meets his demise entangled in a rope tied to the shark, pulled underwater and drowned when the beast dove. While it was emotionally moving, it didn’t quite hit the mark for Spielberg. Instead, he crafted a scene where Quint is bitten clean in half as Bruce leaps onto the Orca. This death scene, brimming with bloodshed and intensity, is one of the most memorable in any PG-rated film. In this chilling moment, Shaw thrashes and twists, but ultimately succumbs to the beast before his lifeless body is dragged into the ocean by the colossal fish. Truly bleak, and as anyone who watched it as a child can confirm, it left an indelible mark on our nightmares.
39. “Smile you son of a b—!”
In the realm of hardened, witty remarks, the phrase “Jaws‘s ‘Smile you spawn of a…!'” holds a top spot. This line is fantastic, but not so outlandish that it strains credibility to imagine a man in a life-or-death struggle with a shark would utter it. (He requires the shark to open its mouth so he can fire the compressed air tank lodged within!).
In the collection of tough, humorous lines, the phrase “Jaws‘s ‘Smile you son of a…!'” is highly acclaimed. Although it’s a brilliant line, it doesn’t seem so far-fetched that a man in a battle for survival against a shark might actually say it. (He needs the shark to open its mouth so he can discharge the compressed air tank stuck inside!).
40. The Footage of Spielberg Not Getting Nominated For an Oscar
In theaters, the movie “Jaws” made an instant impact, eventually becoming the highest-earning film of its time. This success catapulted Steven Spielberg into one of Hollywood’s most prominent directors almost overnight. Unlike modern blockbusters, “Jaws” was a notable contender for the 1975 Academy Awards, receiving four nominations and winning three Oscars – one for John Williams’ score, one for Verna Field’s editing, and one for sound.
However, Spielberg was overlooked in the Best Director category, a snub that clearly upset him. His displeasure was evident when he reacted to the Oscar nominations live on camera, exclaiming “Aw, I didn’t get it!” He expressed his frustration because he wasn’t nominated and felt he had been beaten out by Fellini.
Despite this initial snub, Spielberg went on to be nominated for his subsequent film (“Close Encounters of the Third Kind”) as well as numerous other films since then – including wins for directing “Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private Ryan.” In the world of awards, where everyone often claims to admire their competitors, it’s refreshing to see someone so visibly upset about not receiving a nomination. Wouldn’t you feel frustrated if you directed “Jaws” and didn’t get recognized?
41. The Jaws Log
Apart from being hailed as one of the finest Hollywood movies ever made, “Jaws” is also the focus of one of the most exceptional behind-the-scenes book publications: “The Jaws Log,” penned by screenwriter and actor Carl Gottlieb. During the film’s production, Gottlieb rewrote a significant portion of the script and even made an appearance on camera as the character Meadows. Given his multiple roles in the project, Gottlieb was privy to much of the making of “Jaws,” including its near disastrous production. In “The Jaws Log,” he recounts these events with humor and intelligence. This book is a must-have for any film enthusiast’s library, regardless of their feelings towards “Jaws.
42. The Game of Jaws
Although the merchandise production for the movie “Jaws” was modest compared to contemporary standards, Universal and its partners did create some iconic “Jaws” items, one of which is the humorous “Game of Jaws.” In this game, players try to remove various objects from a plastic shark’s mouth using a small hook. If a player makes a mistake, the shark’s jaws (tee-hee) snap shut. The game’s absurdity and rarity, particularly in good condition with all its parts intact, have made it a sought-after collectible among “Jaws” enthusiasts. NECA has recently revealed a new version of the game for the 50th anniversary of “Jaws,” featuring a more accurate replica of the shark (Bruce) and screen-accurate junk, including a compressed air tank.
43. It Inspired Some Great Jaws Rides
Universal quickly cashed in on their blockbuster success by integrating “Jaws” into their Universal Studios tours. In 1976, a replica of the Amity sets was added to the tram tour in Universal Studios Hollywood, where tourists could pass by before an encounter with an animatronic shark named Bruce. For a while, the original Orca boat used in filming was also displayed nearby. However, over time, the boat rotted and had to be removed. In 1990, the expanded “Jaws” ride became one of the key attractions at Universal Studios Florida. This attraction allowed guests to experience multiple shark attacks while touring Amity on boats, creating a unique blend of adventure and horror similar to the Jungle Cruise. Unfortunately, Universal closed Florida’s Jaws in 2012 to make way for a new Harry Potter land, but fans can still enjoy it at Universal Studios Japan.
44. The Mayor From Jaws Is Still the Mayor in Jaws 2
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but notice the persistence of Amity Town’s bungling mayor, portrayed by Murray Hamilton, in the sequel “Jaws 2”. His tenure in office, despite his decisions resulting in the tragic loss of numerous swimmers, serves as a stark reminder of the significance of casting our votes in local elections. It seems all too clear that, had the right choices been made, such calamities could have been avoided.
45. “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water”
In terms of cinematic greatness, “Jaws 2” doesn’t quite match up to its predecessor, except for one exceptional aspect: It introduced one of the most iconic taglines in film history – “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…” This tagline, credited to Andrew J. Kuehn, a trailblazer in the realm of movie trailers who also worked on the original “Jaws” trailer, has become as synonymous with “Jaws” as any aspect of the original film, even though it was primarily used for promoting the sequel. The tagline’s impact is so profound that it’s hard to separate it from the original movie itself.
46. Jaws Also Inspired One of the Best Bad Movies Ever
While Jaws 2 may not be a cinematic gem, it certainly outshines Jaws: The Revenge, which is almost like a parody of Jaws. Just three films into the series, Jaws surprisingly became one of the funniest bad movies ever made, with its hilariously poor quality managing to end the franchise – an amusingly ironic twist considering that the sequel’s plot revolves around a shark that has supposedly been killed multiple times by the Brody family, who are now obsessively pursuing its remaining survivors for some strange desire of revenge. With a nonsensical plot, subpar special effects, and cringe-worthy acting, Jaws: The Revenge is like an alternate universe version of Jaws – and can be quite entertaining if you’re in the mood for it.
47. Kid from Jaws became Martha’s Vineyard police chief
Interesting fact: The very same Jonathan Searle, who once tricked Chief Brody and others in Amity by pretending to be Jaws, ended up serving as the real chief of police on Martha’s Vineyard. I sure hope he has the courage to challenge the mayor when he insists on keeping the beaches open.
48. Almost 50 Years After First Release, Jaws Made It Back Into the Box Office Charts
In spite of countless re-runs on TV, cable, streaming platforms, and being easily accessible for decades through various home video formats, when “Jaws” was re-released in cinemas during the fall of 2022, it managed to generate enough revenue to secure a spot among the top ten films at the weekend box office.
49. It’s Inspired Multiple Stage Plays
Lately, numerous plays have been created centering around the production of the iconic movie “Jaws”. A musical titled “Bruce” premiered in Seattle in 2022, inspired by Carl Gottlieb’s book “The Jaws Log”. Although I haven’t seen it myself, I did catch a performance of “The Shark Is Broken” on Broadway in 2023. This play, jointly written and starred by Ian Shaw, son of the original Robert Shaw, was a humorous and heartfelt (yet multidimensional) homage to the classic film directed by Spielberg and Ian Shaw’s late father.
50. A Truly Great Movie Became The #1 Blockbuster Ever
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2025-06-24 17:31