This Friday marks the 50th anniversary of “Jaws,” a film that continues to be cherished and frequently revisited. But how well do you know the intriguing details surrounding Steven Spielberg’s iconic 1975 film?
What Nickname Was Given to the Shark?
Spielberg named the mechanical shark “Bruce” after his lawyer, Bruce Ramer.
Origin of the Title
As author Peter Benchley’s 1974 book was heading for publication, he needed to finalize a title. After considering various options like “Leviathan Rising” and “Silent Fall,” he ultimately settled on “Jaws” at the last moment. Benchley admitted to his editor that he wasn’t entirely sure what the title meant, but appreciated its brevity.
Source of the Iconic Movie Poster
The famous image of the shark emerging from the water originated from the cover of the novel’s paperback edition, created by Roger Kastel. To design the artwork, Kastel photographed a great white shark at the American Museum of Natural History.
Inspiration Behind Amity
Although Spielberg filmed “Jaws” on Martha’s Vineyard near Cape Cod, the nearby island of Nantucket inspired Benchley’s book. He had spent time fishing there with his father. In the story, the fictional town of Amity is depicted as being located on the southern shore of Long Island.
Who Was Initially Set to Direct “Jaws”?
Dick Richards was the first choice to direct the film but was replaced when producer Richard D. Zanuck noted he repeatedly referred to the shark as a whale in meetings.
Spielberg’s Age at Project Initiation
Spielberg was 26 years old when he began working on the project.
Who Wanted the Role of Brody?
Charlton Heston expressed interest in playing Amity Island’s police chief, but the role ultimately went to Roy Scheider.
Name of Quint’s Boat
The vessel is called The Orca, and interestingly, a film titled “Orca,” about a killer whale, was released two years after “Jaws.”
Cause of Shark Malfunctions
The shark often malfunctioned due to corrosion from salt water. Built by special effects artist Bob Mattey, the shark frequently broke down, especially in the early stages of filming. Spielberg chose to delay revealing the shark until later in the movie, a decision that heightened viewer suspense and potentially added $175 million to its box office.
Timing of the Shark’s First Appearance
The shark is first fully visible on-screen one hour and 21 minutes into the film.
Was the Movie’s Most Famous Line Scripted?
No, Roy Scheider improvised the line “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” Carl Gottlieb, the screenwriter, mentioned that the phrase had been circulating among the crew whenever things went wrong.
Quint’s Background
Quint is a survivor of the USS Indianapolis sinking, a U.S. Navy cruiser torpedoed during World War II. His notable speech in the film, which wasn’t in the book, was reportedly written by uncredited screenwriter John Milius, adding depth to Quint’s character.
Does Spielberg Appear in “Jaws”?
While Spielberg’s face doesn’t appear in the film, his voice can be heard during the climax. Additionally, he played a brief part in the musical score, and the dogs owned by Brody were actually Spielberg’s cocker spaniels.
How Over Budget Was “Jaws”?
The production ran significantly over schedule, taking 159 days instead of the planned 55, with a budget that nearly tripled to $9 million, plus another $3 million for post-production.
Movie Rating
Despite some backlash, the Motion Picture Association of America gave “Jaws” a “PG” rating, as there was no PG-13 rating at the time. Jack Valenti defended the rating by claiming the film depicted nature’s violence rather than violence between humans.
What Did “Jaws” Lose Best Picture To at the Oscars?
“Jaws” received four Oscar nominations and won three awards for sound, editing, and John Williams’ score. However, it lost the Best Picture award to “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” amidst strong competition.
