JawsThe classic horror film that coined the term “blockbuster” is back on Netflix in 1975. Not only has the first film in Spielberg’s blockbuster franchise been added to the streaming platform, so has the sequel. Jaws 2 (1978) and 3D jaw (1983) will also be available. The only film not to join them is the critically panned 1987 film, Jaws: RevengeHowever, we're pretty sure many won't beg for it, as it's often considered one of the worst movies ever made.
Jaws The film follows police chief Martin Brody as he tries to deal with the chaos after a body washes up on the beach. The mutilated body catches Brody's attention, who immediately sounds a shark alert. The problem is, the mayor of Amity Island doesn't agree; he just wants the best for the summer tourists who will flood the beaches. However, when a boy is eaten in front of hundreds of vacationers, panic sets in. With the help of marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw), Brody sets out to hunt down the monster before it can feed again.
It was released by Universal Pictures in 1975, Jaws It was a huge risk for the studio. After several production mishaps and budget and schedule overruns, Jaws It was considered a risky project for a young director who at the time did not have the back catalogue of successes that he enjoys today. As it turns out, the failure played a role in the film's success, as several changes had to be made as Bruce the mechanical shark often did not work as intended. For this reason, the shark's appearances are incredibly limited, to the point that he does not appear at all in the first hour of the film, except for the occasional dorsal fin.
Despite the issues surrounding its production, the film was released nationwide, and within ten days, it had recouped its entire production costs. People flooded theaters and occupied all surrounding buildings, hence the term “blockbuster.” The film was such a success that it gave Hollywood’s biggest studios a blueprint for how to plan their summer releases, a blueprint that some studios still follow today. At the Academy Awards, Jaws The film won three Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Sound.
Why is Jaws a classic horror movie?
It’s strange that horror movies, of all genres, have been responsible for paving the way for every major summer blockbuster in Hollywood that has followed. After all, the genre has always been seen as secondary and, in some ways, offensive to those who see no artistic value in it.
Sometimes, it’s all about tone. Spielberg knows this, and he always knows how to handle it, no matter the genre. His films are perfect forms of entertainment, emotional, beautiful, and deeply compelling. Most importantly, he knows where to draw the line. With few exceptions, such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of DoomSpielberg knows exactly when to stop so as to keep the suspense within the confines of “safe” entertainment.
Jaws Iron Man is a great example of a two-act film. After a terrifying opening, the film spends a lot of time building tension, all accompanied by a John Williams score that has become synonymous with lurking danger—even when used in parody. As the death toll and fear on Amity Island mounts, the film becomes a battle between man and nature, as Brody, Hopper, and Quint set out to clear the shores of their tormentor, leading to a gripping final act that will leave you breathless.
Jaws
The series is currently streaming on Max, and is set to hit Netflix on September 1.
