Jaws
1975 · Directed by Steven Spielberg
Original language: English
- horror
- thriller
- adventure
The story
When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town's chief of police, a young marine biologist, and a grizzled shark hunter embark on a desperate quest to kill the beast before it strikes again.
What it’s like
Bright summer daylight over open water, sun glare on the swells, and a patient camera that holds on sandy beaches, crowded boardwalks and the dark, murky depths below the surface. Spielberg builds tension through what isn't shown: the shark stays hidden for long stretches, carried by John Williams's two-note bass pulse, which tightens until a fin or a bobbing barrel makes the stomach drop. The fishing boat scenes sit in hot, salt-bleached sunlight, sweaty and cramped, and the middle section feels loose and talky, with easy camaraderie among three men trading stories as the hunt drags on. Vibe: sun-bright dread, summer menace, salt air turned sour. The violence is sudden and fairly brief but unsparing, with a few bloody attacks and one graphic death; fear comes mostly from suspense rather than gore. Fits a late-summer night with friends, or anyone who likes a tense, old-school thriller with a rough sense of humour, though not for those who want gentle viewing.
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