Jaws

Definition

In the context of visual effects and special effects in cinematography, 'jaws' refers to the iconic mechanical shark used in the film 'Jaws' (1975) directed by Steven Spielberg. This groundbreaking creature was a significant advancement in special effects technology and helped shape how filmmakers approached the depiction of fear and suspense in cinema. The production faced numerous challenges with the shark's mechanics, which ultimately led to innovative filming techniques that emphasized suspense rather than explicit visibility of the creature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Jaws' was one of the first films to create a summer blockbuster phenomenon, changing the landscape of how films were marketed and released.
2. The mechanical shark, nicknamed 'Bruce,' malfunctioned frequently during filming, leading Spielberg to rely more on suspenseful camera techniques than on showing the shark outright.
3. The use of water as a filming environment created unique challenges for the production team, contributing to the film's legendary status for its creativity under pressure.
4. The music score by John Williams, particularly the two-note motif associated with the shark, became iconic and is often referenced in popular culture to evoke tension.
5. 'Jaws' significantly impacted how horror films were made, demonstrating that less can be more by focusing on atmosphere and audience imagination rather than showing everything explicitly.

Review Questions

• How did the mechanical shark from 'Jaws' influence the approach filmmakers took toward suspense in cinema?
  • 'Jaws' demonstrated that filmmakers could create tension and fear without showing the monster upfront. Due to mechanical issues with the shark, Spielberg creatively used techniques like underwater shots and music cues to build anticipation. This shift encouraged other filmmakers to explore suspenseful storytelling methods that relied on audience imagination rather than visual overexposure.
• Evaluate the significance of practical effects in 'Jaws' compared to modern CGI techniques in filmmaking.
  • 'Jaws' showcased the importance of practical effects through its use of animatronics and real-world environments to create fear. The reliance on physical props added a tangible realism that connected viewers emotionally with the film. In contrast, while CGI allows for limitless creativity today, it can sometimes lack the physicality that makes practical effects resonate deeply with audiences, highlighting an ongoing debate about authenticity in filmmaking.
• Analyze how 'Jaws' changed audience expectations regarding horror films and their production techniques.
  • 'Jaws' revolutionized audience expectations by proving that horror could be delivered through suspense rather than explicit gore. The film's success prompted studios to invest heavily in marketing blockbuster films during summer months. Furthermore, it illustrated how technical difficulties could lead to innovative solutions that enhance storytelling, shaping future horror films to focus more on psychological tension and less on visual shock, creating a lasting impact on genre conventions.

Related terms

Animatronics: A technology that uses robotic devices to emulate a living creature's movements, widely used in films to create realistic characters or creatures.

Suspense: A feeling of excitement or anxious uncertainty about what may happen next, often used as a key element in storytelling and film to engage the audience.

Practical Effects: Physical effects created on set, such as props, animatronics, and makeup, as opposed to digital effects created through computer-generated imagery (CGI).