Jaws

Definition

'Jaws' is a 1975 thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg that became a cultural phenomenon and is often credited with launching the era of the summer blockbuster in American cinema. The film's compelling story about a great white shark terrorizing a small beach town not only captivated audiences but also transformed the film industry’s marketing and distribution strategies, creating a blueprint for future high-budget films.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Jaws' was the first film to earn over $100 million at the box office, setting a new standard for financial success in Hollywood.
2. The film's innovative use of marketing included wide television advertising and merchandise, which was a new approach at that time.
3. 'Jaws' received three Academy Awards, including Best Original Score for John Williams, whose iconic music greatly contributed to the film's suspenseful atmosphere.
4. Filming was complicated by mechanical failures of the shark prop, leading Spielberg to rely more on suspenseful cinematography instead of showing the shark, which ultimately enhanced the film's tension.
5. The success of 'Jaws' not only reshaped how films were marketed but also influenced filmmakers to focus on high-concept films with mass appeal during the late 1970s.

Review Questions

• How did 'Jaws' influence the marketing strategies of subsequent blockbuster films?
  • 'Jaws' set a new precedent for film marketing by employing extensive advertising campaigns that included television spots, merchandise tie-ins, and advance ticket sales. This strategy created massive anticipation before its release, demonstrating that effective marketing could significantly enhance a film's success. Following 'Jaws', studios began to adopt similar tactics to promote their own high-budget releases, leading to a new era of blockbuster filmmaking.
• Discuss how 'Jaws' reflects the transformation of American cinema in terms of genre and audience engagement during the 1970s.
  • 'Jaws' exemplifies the transformation in American cinema by merging elements of horror, adventure, and thriller genres to create a compelling narrative that resonated with audiences. The film's focus on suspense and fear of the unknown appealed to viewers during a time when society was grappling with various anxieties. Additionally, its ability to draw large crowds to theaters highlighted a shift towards films designed for mass entertainment rather than art-house approaches.
• Evaluate the cultural impact of 'Jaws' on both filmmaking practices and societal perceptions of sharks and ocean safety.
  • 'Jaws' had a profound cultural impact that extended beyond filmmaking practices; it instilled a lasting fear of sharks in the public consciousness and significantly affected beach tourism. The film's success prompted filmmakers to prioritize thrilling narratives with high stakes and spectacle, influencing countless movies that followed. Societally, it sparked discussions about ocean safety and led to increased shark conservation awareness as fears morphed into a fascination with these marine creatures, highlighting the complex relationship between popular media and public perception.

Related terms

Blockbuster: 'Blockbuster' refers to a film that achieves significant commercial success, typically through high box office earnings and widespread audience appeal, often due to heavy marketing and distribution efforts.

Summer Movie Season: 'Summer Movie Season' is the period during the summer months when major studios release high-profile films, taking advantage of school holidays and increased viewership.

Suspense: 'Suspense' is a literary and cinematic technique that builds tension and anticipation in the audience, keeping them engaged and on the edge of their seats throughout the narrative.