Has it really been 50 years? In the latest example of making viewers feel ancient, documentary filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau takes a trip down memory lane to reflect on five decades of Jaws. For the uninitiated, Steven Spielberg’s timeless shark hunting odyssey based on the novel by Peter Benchley swam through harsh waters to become the first true blockbuster. A collection of exciting directors, actors, and crew get together to review the enduring legacy of this iconic film. Filled with insightful commentary, in-depth analysis, and behind the scenes stories, Jaws @ 50 is an excellent peak behind the curtain that’s far better than just bloody chum.
Jaws @ 50 traces the roots back all the way to the actual inception of the idea. Author Peter Benchley frequented the quaint fishing town of Nantucket, but it was seeing Great White documentary Blue Water, White Death that actually sparked the concept. In a fun bit of trivia, the Jaws title was not even decided upon until the final second, just before submitting the pages for publication. Though Benchley passed away back in 2006, vintage interviews and recounted tales from his children help to form a complete picture of the elusive author. Benchley also cameoed in Jaws, and penned the first couple drafts of the script that would create the framework of a successful franchise.
We spend quite a bit of runtime going deep into Steven Spielberg, which feels correct. Whilst he had several movies under his belt already, it was Jaws that would make him a household name. Inspired by Hitchcock and his approach to Psycho, Spielberg opted to minimally show the shark as a means to add to the creepy factor. John Williams created a score that did most of the atmospheric heavy lifting, but it was a combination of disparate elements that would help to build one of the greatest movies of all time. To no one’s surprise, nary a bad word is said about Spielberg. Only Lorraine Gray, who starred in three of the four Jaws movies, heavily features in terms of principal cast. The two leads that were most at odds have unfortunately passed on in the many years since. Being the first major studio production filmed on water, the budget ballooned as the schedule got further and further crippled by the rough waters and the constant breakdowns of the shark, Bruce, that was created.
Some of the coolest tidbits here are extended “outtakes” that show further shark carnage, set photos and videos, and sketches and storyboard depictions that showcase the earliest forms of the feature. Many marvels are made at the creation of the shark as one giant practical effect. Hearing some of the shark’s victims discuss the filming of their deaths—and being complemented by supplemental footage—adds an extra layer of intrigue. We also learn a lot about Martha’s Vineyard, the quiet town where the majority of the on-land footage was filmed. The locals are cited as a vital ingredient in making the 1975 feature into such a timeless classic. Being on the ocean for nearly five months might have been arduous, but at least the filming on land seemed smooth and inviting. This documentary also briefly delves into the tragedy of shark trophy hunting that was unfortunately spiked to an all-time high after the movie’s release. There could maybe have been a bit more time devoted to the subject, and to the voracious preservation efforts made in the wake of it. Then again, we are here to talk strictly about a movie, so perhaps including that element at all may be a small victory.
Against all odds, Jaws became a pop culture phenomenon. Though the sequels receive almost no love whatsoever, the breadth of merchandise and Jaws fever gets plenty of highlighting. Allowing those inspired by its grandiosity—including Jordan Peele, George Lucas, Emily Blunt, and James Cameron—to wax philosophical about its impact helps to underline just how far-reaching its status became. The summer blockbuster was not a thing before Jaws decimated audience expectations. Even Spielberg, especially this far removed, has more appreciation for the behemoth he helped create. Through reflective words and in-depth wisdom, Spielberg proudly proclaims that he owes everything to Jaws. Summer cinema would certainly be a different beast entirely. A moving and masterfully assembled tribute to a true Hollywood game-changer, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story stands tall as a reminder that storytelling with bite can become eternal.
Jaws @ 50 dives to National Geographic on July 10, and swims over to Disney+ and Hulu the following day. The documentary is currently available on physical media as part of the Jaws 50th Anniversary 4K release.
