1. Let’s be honest: that iconic two-note motif by John Williams unmistakably evokes the
chilling opening scene of “Jaws,” which celebrates its 50th anniversary on June 20.
This landmark film has spent half a century instilling fear in countless moviegoers and beach enthusiasts alike, leading generations to anxiously scan the waters for any sign of a fin.
Over the years, Hollywood has attempted to capture the same magic that Steven Spielberg achieved with this blockbuster, giving rise to phenomena like “Shark Week” and films such as “The Meg.”
Personally, I must admit that watching “Jaws” kept me away from the ocean for years, and I even avoided swimming pools.
I have encountered others who were so affected by the film that they developed a fear of even stepping into a bathtub.
The notion may seem irrational, yet it is far from rare.
This insight emerged from an in-depth exploration of the passionate community surrounding “Jaws,” where many enthusiasts have not only conquered their initial fears of the ocean but have also developed an intense enthusiasm for the film itself.
This summer, the thrill of terror returns as “Jaws” and its three sequels—though often regarded as inferior—will be available for viewing on Peacock starting June 15.
Additionally, NBC will present a special three-hour airing of the original film on June 20, which will include an introduction by Steven Spielberg.
To further celebrate this cinematic classic, a theatrical re-release is scheduled for August 29, promising to reignite the excitement for both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Is ‘Jaws’ the scariest film of all time?
Dawn Keetley, the editor of the journal Horror Studies and a professor of English and film at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, asserts that whether viewed once or countless times, the terror of “Jaws” remains invigoratingly fresh with each experience.
She emphasizes that Steven Spielberg portrays the shark as an unadulterated force of nature, a formidable entity that humans encounter at their own risk.
Keetley observes that the film begins as a quintessential horror narrative but gradually transforms into a gripping and suspenseful buddy film as the three main characters embark on a perilous journey aboard a boat, determined to confront the monstrous creature that has instilled fear in their lives.
Sharks serve as a powerful symbol of the untamed aspects of nature that lie beyond the reach of human exploration.
According to her perspective, these formidable creatures delineate the boundaries of our world, highlighting areas that are not only difficult to access but may also be best left untouched.
They represent the perilous and the forbidden, reminding us of the limits of our dominion over the natural environment.
As humans, we have an inherent tendency to challenge these boundaries, constantly seeking to expand our horizons, yet sharks remind us of the inherent risks associated with venturing into the unknown.
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Among the early viewers who experienced the terror of “Jaws” was Christopher Shaw Myers, the nephew of Robert Shaw, who famously portrayed the ill-fated shark hunter Quint.
Reflecting on his experience, Myers recalls, “While I’d read the book (by Peter Benchley), oh, my God, was it terrifying.”
At the time, he was a high school senior accompanying his mother, Joanna, who is Shaw’s sister, to a dimly lit movie theater in Philadelphia. The audience was filled with theater owners evaluating the film for potential screenings.
Myers found particular resonance in his uncle’s chilling monologue, where Quint articulates his deep-seated animosity towards sharks, a sentiment rooted in the traumatic memories of his fellow servicemen being devoured during a Navy ship sinking.
