Some film classics have had such an enormous impact on pop culture that you might start doubting whether you have actually seen them. The sheer number of references in today’s media can make you feel like you have. One of those films is Jaws, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a re-release in theaters. Whether you have seen this classic before or not, now is the perfect time to experience it as it was meant to be seen.

A Personal Memory of Jaws

I could have sworn I watched Jaws with my father about twenty-five years ago. He introduced me to countless classics during my childhood, and I was convinced that Steven Spielberg’s shark thriller was among them. But whether I actually saw it back then or not, I knew I had to revisit the film on the big screen. In the weeks leading up to the re-release, articles in the media (such as one in de Volkskrant) only fueled my excitement to rediscover the story.

The Cultural Impact of Jaws

As a media studies graduate, I have always been fascinated by the influence of pop culture on daily life. The release of Jaws had a profound and unfortunate effect on shark populations, particularly the Great White, which suddenly became viewed as a deadly enemy of mankind. Before the film, that perception was far less widespread. This aspect alone makes Jaws not just a blockbuster, but a cultural event that shaped public opinion in lasting ways.

Experiencing the Film Again

My father said the first half of the movie dragged. And the premise of a snooze fest is real. Knowing that the shark only appears on screen for just over four minutes, less than three percent of the film, in total. Spielberg might pull of the same trick as he did with the truck in his debut film Duel. Armed with that thought, I braced myself. Yet what unfolded over the next two-plus hours was an experience I would not have missed for the world. The slow build-up to the climactic confrontation is pure brilliance. John Williams’ iconic score heightens every moment. And the dynamic between the three central characters battling the shark is simply unforgettable.

A True Classic Worth Revisiting

I had remembered Jaws as a straightforward blockbuster with little depth. In reality, it is a masterfully crafted film with layered storytelling. The way the island of Amity is terrorized by the shark and how Chief Brody, played by Roy Scheider, struggles to deal with it is compelling drama. Richard Dreyfuss shines as the marine biologist, while Robert Shaw delivers an unforgettable performance as the hardened shark hunter. Their chemistry is electric and elevates the film to true classic status.

If you ever get the chance to see Jaws on the big screen, take it. Fifty years later, Spielberg’s shark masterpiece remains as gripping, suspenseful, and visually striking as ever.

Interested in more articles on classic movies? Click here!