Jaws (1975)

“Martin, it’s all psychological. You yell barracuda, everybody says, “Huh? What?” You yell shark, we’ve got a panic on our hands on the Fourth of July.” – Mayor Vaughn

Number of Times Seen – at least 5 times (TV, Video, DVD, 26 Jun 2007 and 17 Nov 2013)

Brief Synopsis – When a New England beach community’s summer festivities are disrupted by a shark, the sheriff, a scientist and a fisherman work together to try and find a way to kill it.

My Take on it –  This is clear proof that Steven Spielberg has always been a great director.  This movie was only his second feature film and even looking back 40 years, his genius still shines thru.

The tension in this movie is built up during the first hour and we only get glimpses of the predator in the water, but those glimpses are of sheer terror.  John Williams musical score helps bring that terror to its highest point and in the end it all pays off because we are truly afraid of going in the water even without even meeting the shark.

Spielberg’s choice to not use all-star actors, but still familiar actors was a great decision and this movie helped make Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss stars.  The final familiar actor in the trio of shark hunters is Robert Shaw who gives a great performance as a fisherman who has had his share of encounters with sharks.

This was the second of only 4 movies (as of 2013) considered to be in the horror genre to get a Best picture nomination. The other three were The Exorcist (1973),  The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and The Sixth Sense (1999).

Truly a great movie due it’s buildup which keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Bottom Line – Great thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  Shows how Spielberg was even a great director for his sophomore movie.  Highly recommended!

Rating – Oscar Worthy