Jaws

Synopsis

When a massive killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Long Island, it's up to the local police chief, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.

Jaws is a 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg. Based on the 1974 novel by Peter Benchley, it stars Roy Scheider as police chief Martin Brody, who, with the help of a marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss) and a professional shark hunter (Robert Shaw), hunts a man-eating great white shark that attacks beachgoers at a New England summer resort town. Murray Hamilton plays the town's mayor, and Lorraine Gary portrays Brody's wife. The screenplay is credited to Benchley, who wrote the first drafts, and actor-writer Carl Gottlieb, who rewrote the script during principal photography.

Reviewers say 'Jaws' is acclaimed for revolutionizing the film industry with its summer blockbuster concept. It is praised for suspenseful storytelling, practical effects, and John Williams' iconic score. Central themes include fear, survival, and nature versus human ambition. Performances by Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw are lauded for depth and chemistry. However, some find the first half slow and shark effects dated, though the second half's tension is celebrated. 'Jaws' is noted for its cultural impact and cinematic legacy.

Movie Information

Release Date

26 December 1975

Duration

124 MIN

Rating

M

Director

Steven Spielberg

Cast

Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss

Genre

Adventure, Horror, Oscars, Retrospective, Thriller