The Struggles Behind the Making of Jaws
Imagine a summer in 1975 when moviegoers were first introduced to a cinematic terror lurking beneath the waves. Jaws didn’t just become a blockbuster; it became a cultural phenomenon. But the road to its success was fraught with challenges. Director Steven Spielberg, fresh off his debut feature, faced relentless hurdles that would leave many filmmakers questioning their careers.
Adapting Peter Benchley‘s 1974 novel, the film tells the harrowing tale of a small seaside town grappling with the brutal attacks of a Great White shark. With production primarily taking place on the open ocean, Spielberg utilized a mechanical shark for the film’s most chilling scenes. However, these mechanical marvels were plagued with technical failures, leading to significant production delays.
Reflecting on the chaos, Spielberg admits, “We’re not sailors. We were filmmakers… way out of our element.” Weather conditions only added to the anxiety, creating an environment far removed from the controlled sets of typical filmmaking.
Facing Doubts and Finding Support
Halfway through filming, Spielberg found himself on shaky ground. With production already twenty days behind schedule, a fellow Hollywood actor delivered a blunt verdic”You’re never gonna get a job after this movie because you’re irresponsible with the budget.” Such harsh words would have crushed many, but Spielberg’s resolve remained unbroken. He later recalled how demoralizing that moment was, even if he tried to brush it off.
Yet, amid the setbacks, solidarity emerged from unexpected places. Renowned director Martin Scorsese frequently visited Spielberg on set, offering a sympathetic ear. Their shared struggles painted a picture of camaraderie that’s often overlooked in Hollywood’s competitive landscape. As reported in the documentary Jaws @ 5The Definitive Inside Story, set to premiere on National Geographic, this support system played a crucial role in Spielberg’s resilience.
As audiences prepare to dive back into the world of Jaws through this retrospective, it’s clear that the story behind the making of the film is just as compelling as the terror it depicts. The film not only changed the face of blockbusters but also shaped the careers of those involved, proving that sometimes, behind every great success lies a tale of struggle.
Jaws @ 5The Definitive Inside Story premieres Friday, July 11th, at 8 PM on National Geographic and streams the same day on Disney+
For those interested in diving deeper into the cinematic arts, don’t miss out on exploring Oppenheimer or the vision behind Christopher Nolan‘s masterpieces.