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Original poster

JAWS is Brilliant

107 replies

DarkLene · 09/07/2025 03:46

In its 50th year. Fraught with filming issues to the extent Steven Spielberg thought he’d shot his burgeoning career to pieces. But… it just fucking works.

If I wanted to I could find fault with a couple of scenes, but ultimately- it’s superb!

The main fault would be that stupid people genuinely thought great whites were the antichrist and killed them en masse. That makes me sad.

OP posts:
QueenofallIsee · 10/07/2025 14:39

I went to watch ‘the shark is broken’ a few weeks ago - highly recommend! It’s based on Robert Shaws diaries of the filming and the dynamic between the 3 main actors. Ian Shaw plays his father. Loved it.

LaudCodec · 10/07/2025 14:35

“You all know me…. how I earn a living”

It’s a masterpiece.

Glencocoyougo · 10/07/2025 14:32

"Here's to swimmin' with bow -legged women"

"Cage goes in the water, you go in the water, sharks in the water...our shark"

"Farewell and adieu you fair Spanish ladies..."

It's my favourite film of all time; the dynamics between the 3 main characters are fantastic.

Fangisnotacoward · 09/07/2025 21:55

Clarinet1 · 09/07/2025 06:50

You’re gonna need a bigger boat!

Show quote history

"Smile you son-of-a-bitch!"

Plantladylover · 09/07/2025 18:37

Favourite film. My brother who is 57 hasn't been in The sea since he watched it as a child 🤣

tothesea · 09/07/2025 18:34

Absolutely the dolly shot on Chief Brady- amazing cinematography.

Ive seen Jaws many times over the years but the first time I saw it as a mother gave it a different slant. You can feel that cold finger of fear in the Mum when everyone’s child is safely out of the water except hers.
And then when she slaps Brody.
I couldn’t understand that as a child.
As a Mum I feel her devastation.
Brilliant film.

Original poster
DarkLene · 09/07/2025 18:15

Considering how hard it was to make and the fact the mechanical shark seldom worked - and that Spielberg still gets anxiety dreams about making it - it turned out so great!

OP posts:
NeilDiamondsBlowDry · 09/07/2025 18:14

Any film with Roy Scheider in is a winner in my book

kirinm · 09/07/2025 18:13

I consider it genuinely one of the best films ever made and certainly his best film.

Original poster
DarkLene · 09/07/2025 18:13

Isometimeswonder · 09/07/2025 07:45

Brilliant film.
Have you read the book? it's a bit different to the film, Brody's wife is rather unlikeable.

Haven’t read the book. Didn’t Matt Hooper have an affair with Ellen Brodie in that? I’m glad they didn’t shoehorn that into the film.

OP posts:
Original poster
DarkLene · 09/07/2025 18:10

EtonMessy · 09/07/2025 07:43

The dolly zoom shot of Brody in the Get out of the water scene must be one of the most iconic shots ever in cinematic history!!
Agree on the music score too, the first two notes ! So simple, so terrifying!!

Agreed! Also agree with @LongRangeDessertGroup that Robert shaw’s speech is sublime. It just ties the film together so beautifully.

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Murdoch1949 · 09/07/2025 15:09

There's an audio play on BBC Sounds that is wonderful.

GoFaster83 · 09/07/2025 11:10

I watched it when I must have been about 6. I wrote about it in my news jotter at school and said I wasnt scared. I did not write that I couldn't put my feet out of the bed covers for weeks in case a shark somehow made its way into my bedroom and ate my leg.

SeaShellsSanctuary1 · 09/07/2025 11:07

Another way to look at it

JAWS is Brilliant
CuddlesKovinsky · 09/07/2025 10:52

caramac04 · 09/07/2025 07:47

Hands up if you heard them in your head when you read the above

Show quote history

🙋🏻‍♀️

Thing is, it became a bit of a joke or a cliche at the time - who couldn't sing 'Nerr-nerr!' when your Dad was in the swimming pool etc? But when you hear it again, and it's used so effectively in the film, so powerful and menacing... it must be one of the all-time great movie themes...

🦈

EatMoreChocolate44 · 09/07/2025 08:58

One of my favourite films. So good. I was scared to take a bath after watching it as a kid. I must of thought a shark could somehow come up through the plug hole. 😂🙈

AutumnLeaves91 · 09/07/2025 08:56

I quote it so much!

Maaate · 09/07/2025 08:55

Even though I know it's going to happen the head popping up at the window of the boat still makes me jump.

inigomontoyahwillcox · 09/07/2025 08:54

Absolutely brilliant film. In my top 2. Have watched and re watched and will keep on doing so.

Maaate · 09/07/2025 08:54

MadeForThis · 09/07/2025 07:49

I haven’t watched it since I was young. What age group is it suitable for? I think my 9 year old would love it.

I was around that age when I first watched it but it was the 80's and we did a lot of things that would most definitely be frowned upon today!

Purplecatshopaholic · 09/07/2025 07:56

Brilliant film. A total classic - we watch it every few years in my house. Enjoyed the book too.

EtonMessy · 09/07/2025 07:49

caramac04 · 09/07/2025 07:47

Hands up if you heard them in your head when you read the above

Show quote history

🙋🏼‍♀️

MadeForThis · 09/07/2025 07:49

I haven’t watched it since I was young. What age group is it suitable for? I think my 9 year old would love it.

Yellowbirdcage · 09/07/2025 07:48

I think it suffers a bit from the fact that so many films since have stolen its brilliance.

The money grubbing character who just doesn’t listen to the brilliant experts!

caramac04 · 09/07/2025 07:47

Billybagpuss · 09/07/2025 04:05

The music, best 2 notes in music history.

Hands up if you heard them in your head when you read the above