Shark Encounter Shocks Community
During the production of the film, three full-sized mechanical sharks, known colloquially as “Bruce,” were created but faced several technical difficulties. The pneumatic hoses frequently filled with seawater, the neoprene foam skin absorbed water and became heavy, and one model continually got caught in seaweed. Director Steven Spielberg ultimately decided to film most of the early scenes without showing the actual shark. This choice significantly enhanced the film’s tension and suspense, particularly coupled with John Williams’ iconic theme music.
The filming period extended to 159 days, causing the production budget to soar to $9 million. These delays provided Spielberg and his team, especially writer Carl Gottlieb, with the opportunity to refine the script. Many actors contributed improvised lines during filming, adding authenticity to their performances. Ultimately, the film emerged as a blockbuster hit, grossing $476 million worldwide across all its releases and earning three Academy Awards. It did, however, lose the coveted Best Picture award to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
The impact of Jaws rippled through the film industry, inspiring various future films, including Ridley Scott’s Alien, which was pitched as “Jaws in space.” The public reaction was notable; many viewers developed a newfound fear of swimming in the ocean due to shark-related anxieties. Although the sequels did not receive the same acclaim, the original Jaws remains a classic. In a recent discussion, marine biologist and shark conservationist David Shiffman, author of Why Sharks Matter, explored the film’s portrayal of sharks and its lasting impact on culture.
Ars Technica: Let’s delve into the film’s significant effects, both positive and negative, on public perceptions of sharks.
David Shiffman: Numerous individuals within marine science and conservation communities assert that Jaws substantially altered our perspective on sharks. Prior to the film, sharks weren’t a common concern for the average beachgoer; surfers and fishermen were aware of them, but most people largely ignored their presence. Jaws shattered this complacency. My parents even mentioned that the summer Jaws premiered, they were hesitant to swim in community pools.
