Welcome to the Second Union 31 Days of Horror event! Every day leading up to Tuesday, October 31st, (starting Sunday, October 1st) we will post a review of one horror film.
Today’s Film: Jaws. Enjoy!
JAWS! It’s one of the most well-known horror films ever made, and oddly enough, it doesn’t take place in the fall. In fact, it happens to fall on another holiday-the 4th of July. It follows a police chief who teams up with a hunter and researcher to kill a shark that’s murdering people in the town of Amity. The 1975 film is a personal favorite, as it is to many movie fans, and it still holds up.
You can tell the tone that is set right from the get-go. Chrissy’s last swim is a chilling, and somewhat tranquil moment to start with before John Williams’ phenomenal score kicks in. It’s beautifully set, and Chrissy’s screams are unforgettable as she eventually gets pulled under by the hungry shark. It’s one of the best and most iconic opening scenes in horror movie history. And I love it. While some come for the shark and leave because there isn’t one for a while, it truly matters that you listen to the dialogue, because it’s as funny as it is important.
The great white returns soon enough, however, and his next scene makes an even bigger impact: the murder of a young boy on the beach. The memorable scene features one of the most thrilling and shocking turns of events as poor Alex is dragged down, blood pouring into the water as his mother looks among the crowd and finds his tattered inflatable raft floating ashore.
The writing, like I said before, is very strong and it helps to pay attention, especially in my personal favorite scene. That is the scene where the crew of the Orca talks about their scars and has a good laugh while singing sea shanties. It’s one of the most wonderful scenes in the film’s entirety, as you learn of the supposedly fearless Quint’s journey on the U.S.S. Indianapolis and his encounter with sharks. The acting is solid throughout the film and is most evident in that specific scene.
THE VERDICT
I think Jaws was the first horror film I ever saw, which probably plays into my love for it here. However, there’s no doubt that this is one of the most masterfully made films. From the pounding score, the great writing and acting, to the astounding pacing, this is truly an amazing film. And I love watching it. I’m going to give it an A+.
Jaws stars Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton. Directed by Steven Spielberg.
