“Bun-bun-bun-bun-bun-bun….”
The impact of “Jaws” extended beyond the realms of film, inspiring works such as Ridley Scott’s “Alien” in 1979, often referred to as “Jaws in space.” The film elicited powerful reactions from viewers, with many developing a fear of swimming in the ocean due to concerns about sharks. Despite the underwhelming sequels that followed, the original “Jaws” continues to reign as an iconic masterpiece. Ars Technica recently conversed with marine biologist and shark conservationist David Shiffman, renowned author of “Why Sharks Matter,” shedding light on the film’s portrayal of sharks and its enduring influence on popular culture.
Let us pay homage to the memory of Chrissie Watkins (portrayed by Susan Backlinie), the first victim of the menacing shark.
The production of the film spanned 159 days and the budget skyrocketed to a staggering $9 million. Delays provided director Spielberg and his team of writers, most notably Gottlieb, with ample opportunity to refine the script, sometimes making last-minute adjustments just before filming. A significant portion of the dialogue was spontaneously improvised by the talented cast. These efforts proved to be extremely rewarding, as “Jaws” emerged as a monumental summer blockbuster, raking in a worldwide gross of $476 million and clinching three Academy Awards, despite narrowly missing out on the Best Picture accolade to “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”
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Honoring once more the memory of Chrissie Watkins (Susan Backlinie), the inaugural prey of the fearsome shark.
Ars Technica: Let us delve into the narrative of how “Jaws” influenced the public perception of sharks.
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For the production of the film, three colossal mechanical sharks were constructed, each christened “Bruce,” yet encountered various technical mishaps. Seawater infiltrating the hoses, neoprene foam skin absorbing water and expanding, and one model becoming entangled in seaweed were just a few of the challenges faced. Consequently, Spielberg opted to shoot most early scenes sans the shark, intensifying the suspense, especially when paired with John Williams’ hauntingly evocative theme melody (“bun-bun-bun-bun-bun-bun….”).
David Shiffman: The impact of “Jaws” on public perception of sharks was notably profound. It refrained from portraying sharks as endearing, cuddly creatures before transforming them into lethal predators. Prior to the film, sharks had not garnered considerable attention from the general populace. While fishermen and surfers held some awareness of their existence, the average beachgoer paid minimal heed to these creatures. “Jaws” revolutionized this outlook. In fact, my parents were so apprehensive about swimming in communal pools during the summer of the film’s release.
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