logo
Jaws at 50: Spielberg's marine masterpiece transformed the movies

Jaws at 50: Spielberg's marine masterpiece transformed the movies

The Guardian10 hours ago

Fifty years ago the world was changed for ever by a shark. On 20 June 1975, cinemagoers in the US were the first to experience the visceral thrills and oceanic spills of Jaws. It's the original blockbuster, it inspired an entire genre of 'sharksploitation' entertainment, and it transformed what millions thought about sharks, for better and for worse.
In many ways, Steven Spielberg's marine masterpiece was an accident. In 1973, the novelist Peter Benchley came up with the title Jaws just 20 minutes before his final deadline. 'What does it mean?' asked his editor. 'I haven't the faintest idea,' replied Benchley, 'but at least it's short.'
Nicknamed Bruce (after Spielberg's lawyer), the mechanical shark used in the film malfunctioned so much that it appeared in the final edit for a mere four minutes, and not fully until nearly an hour in. Instead Spielberg focused on fear and threat, and the rest is history.
Yet perhaps he did his job too well. Ross Williams, editor of The Daily Jaws website, says the film 'cast a long shadow over sharks. It turned fear into frenzy, and that fear translated into decades of persecution'. After 1975, shark culls and trophy hunts soared globally. All this despite statistics showing that in America a human is more likely to be bitten by a New Yorker than a shark.
Research suggests that between 1986 and 2000, in the north-west Atlantic Ocean, there was a population decline of 89% in hammerhead sharks, 79% in great white sharks and 65% in tiger sharks, many of which were caught in fishing nets. Figures published in Science have estimated shark deaths from fishing at 80m a year, 25m of which are threatened species.
The zoology writer Jules Howard says that 'in the case of great whites it's a hit job … It's depressing, since sharks like these are not monsters. They're complex, communicative beings that happen to be very well adapted for killing things. You'd think we'd see the similarities, somehow.'
Spielberg expressed his remorse on the BBC's Desert Island Discs, saying: 'The decimation of the shark population because of the book and the film … I really truly regret that.'
And yet Jaws has had positive effects too. Benchley became involved in marine conservation, as did the film's underwater photographers Ron and Valerie Taylor and Rodney Fox. Speaking to the Guardian from Australia, Fox says the fascination with sharks sparked by Jaws 'culminated in not just the conservation of sharks, but to a care and understanding of the important role they play in the wider marine environment'.
Howard is just one of many who bear this out: 'I remember that feeling,' he says. 'Seeing the film. Buying the shark books. Understanding sharks in a deeper way. Wanting to shout loud to see them respected, conserved, saved.'
Williams adds: 'It's not about fearing sharks anymore. It's about fearing a world without them.'
Sign up to Film Weekly
Take a front seat at the cinema with our weekly email filled with all the latest news and all the movie action that matters
after newsletter promotion
Meanwhile, the public consciousness is more shark-infested than ever. Many have played it for cheap thrills and, increasingly, laughs, such as Roboshark, Ghost Shark, Sharkenstein, Five-Headed Shark Attack and of course Sharknado! But others, like last year's Something in the Water, have tried to replicate the fear of Jaws while showing sensitivity to the animals. Its British director, Hayley Easton Street, says: 'I wanted the sharks to just be animals that need to find food, not vicious killers hunting humans.'
Today the ocean's apex predator is part of our lexicon, in phrases such as 'jumping the shark', and they've even swum into populist politics. Boris Johnson invoked the mayor from Jaws during the pandemic for keeping the beaches open; while Donald Trump has speculated on the relative merits of being electrocuted or attacked by a shark. Perhaps most notoriously of all, Korean company Pinkfong's version of the children's song Baby Shark is the most watched YouTube video of all time, racking up 15bn views and counting. No great white has ever caused that much trauma.
Would Jaws get made now? In a 1995 essay for Smithsonian magazine, Benchley reflected: 'If I were to write the book today, the shark would have to be the victim.' These astonishing animals are still fighting to escape the shadow of the film, but thanks to the next generation of scientists, advocates, and reformed storytellers, the tide may finally be turning.
Jon Harvey's Into the Sharkiverse is on BBC Sounds.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Nicole Scherzinger reveals she has her eyes set on a career in Hollywood after conquering Broadway and bagging her first Tony Award
Nicole Scherzinger reveals she has her eyes set on a career in Hollywood after conquering Broadway and bagging her first Tony Award

Daily Mail​

time31 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Nicole Scherzinger reveals she has her eyes set on a career in Hollywood after conquering Broadway and bagging her first Tony Award

Nicole Scherzinger has revealed she has her eyes set on a career in Hollywood after bagging her first Tony Award. The Pussycat Doll, 46, sobbed as she accepted her first ever Broadway honour at the star-studded 78th Annual Tony Awards, held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sunday. She won the Best Leading Actress in a Musical award, for her performance of fading Hollywood star Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, based on the 1950 film noir of the same name by Billy Wilder. And after selling 55million records sold worldwide with The Pussycat Dolls and now clinching her Broadway gong, Nicole has revealed she now wants to tackle movies. Speaking to The Sun, she said: 'I would like to do movies and movie musicals. I would like to build my own show, there are roles I would like to create.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She added: 'You never know where your unexpected dream opportunity is going to come from.' Accepting her Tony Award on Sunday, Nicole said: 'Growing up I always felt like I didn't belong, but you all have made me feel like I belong, and I have come home at last. She then thanked her fiancé Thom Evans, adding he 'believes in me when I forget to believe in myself.' Nicole started her acceptance speech by telling the audience: 'First of all, I just have to thank God, for carrying me every step of the way. I give you all the glory.' 'I'm so honoured to be recognised alongside these exceptional warrior women in this category. I want to thank you all so much for making this little Hawaiian/ Ukrainian/ Filipino girl's dream come true. So proud to represent.' She also thanked her family, including her mother, stating she 'had me at 18 and gave everything up for me.' She then thanked composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, sharing: 'It has been such an honour to be able to create with you the past 15 years.' Later she gave a shout out to producer Jamie Lloyd: 'Jamie, you saw in me what no one else did. You have given us all new ways to dream and you have changed my life forever.' Nicole wrapped up her inspiring speech, sharing, 'If there's anyone out there who feels like they don't belong, or your time hasn't come, don't give up.' 'Just keep on giving and giving, because the world needs your love and your light now more than ever.' 'This is a testament that love always wins. Thank you so much. God Bess you,' the singer added at the end. Nicole has defied the odds to become the babe of Broadway winning her Tony, when just a few years ago, it would have seemed impossible for the former Pussycat Doll to win such a gong. Following a 'flop' attempt at a solo singing career after the pop group disbanded in 2010, her stage career had also looked doomed following a vicious spat with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber - despite her shout out to him on Sunday. Nine years ago, the former Pussycat Doll had just pulled out of his Broadway production of Cats at the last minute to take a seven-figure salary to return as a judge on ITV 's X Factor. Furious Lord Webber declared that she would never 'get her Tony Award'. Lord Webber had raged: 'I'm furious because I really believe she's the most fantastically talented girl and I went out on a limb... but never mind, there'll be another girl on Broadway and Nicole will not get her Tony Award.' But following raving reviews in his new Sunset Boulevard show, Nicole has become Lloyd Webber's shining diamond on Broadway - and not only has he eaten his words, but he's become her biggest cheerleader. For her performance as Norma, a faded Hollywood starlet who refuses to accept her star has waned, Critics have raved: 'Nicole dazzles', 'Scherzinger absolutely bloody smashes,' and, simply, 'Perfection!' Once upon a time, Nicole was best known for hanging off the arm of Formula One star Lewis Hamilton, from whom she split for good in 2015, following an on-off relationship over several years. She was born in Hawaii as Nicole Prascovia Elikolani Valiente Scherzinger to father, Alfonso Valiente, who is of Filipino descent, and mother Rosemary, who is of Hawaiian, Ukrainian and Russian ancestry. Raised in Kentucky from the age of six, she began acting at the age of 14, studying musical theatre and dropping out of college. Her first minor forays into the singing world came while touring with American rock band Days Of The New, before joining Eden's Crush, a girl group born from an American reality series. With her multi-racial background, people assumed she was of Pakistani descent. She confided to those who worked with her that her skin colour hasn't always made it easy for her in show business. However, they say, it made her 'unbelievably determined.' In 2005, she joined the Pussycat Dolls, a burlesque troupe who found success with hits such as Don't Cha, When I Grow Up and Jai Ho! Alongside the other members of the group, Carmit Bachar, Ashley Roberts, Jessica Sutta, Melody Thornton and Kimberly Wyatt, the Dolls sold 55 million records worldwide.

2025 BET Awards Winners
2025 BET Awards Winners

Daily Mail​

time44 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

2025 BET Awards Winners

Album of the Year $Ome $Exy $Ongs 4 U - Drake & PartyNextDoor 11:11 Deluxe - Chris Brown Alligator Bites Never Heal - Doechii Cowboy Carter - Beyoncé Glorious - GloRilla GNX - Kendrick Lamar Hurry Up Tomorrow - The Weeknd We Don't Trust You - Future & Metro Boomin Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Ari Lennox Ayra Starr Coco Jones Kehlani Muni Long Summer Walker SZA Victoria Monét Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Bruno Mars Chris Brown Drake Fridayy Leon Thomas Teddy Swims The Weeknd Usher Best Group 41 Common & Pete Rock Drake & PartyNextDoor FLO Future & Metro Boomin Jacquees & Dej Loaf Larry June, 2 Chainz, The Alchemist Maverick City Music Best Collaboration '30 For 30' - SZA Feat. Kendrick Lamar 'Alter Ego' - Doechii Feat. JT 'Are You Even Real' - Teddy Swims Feat. Givēon 'Beckham' - Dee Billz Feat. Kyle Richh, Kai Swervo, Kj Swervo 'Bless' - Lil Wayne, Wheezy & Young Thug 'Like That' - Future & Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar 'Luther' - Kendrick Lamar & SZA 'Sticky' - Tyler, the Creator Feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne 'Timeless' - The Weeknd Feat. Playboi Carti Best Female Hip Hop Artist Cardi B Doechii - WINNER Doja Cat GloRilla Latto Megan Thee Stallion Nicki Minaj Rapsody Sexyy Red Best Male Hip Hop Artist BigXthaPlug Bossman Dlow Burna Boy Drake Future Kendrick Lamar Key Glock Lil Wayne Tyler, the Creator Video of the Year '3AM in ToKEYo' - Key Glock 'A Bar Song (Tipsy)' - Shaboozey 'After Hours' - Kehlani 'Denial Is A River' - Doechii 'Family Matters' - Drake 'Not Like Us' - Kendrick Lamar 'Timeless' - The Weeknd Feat. Playboi Carti 'Type Shit' - Future, Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti Video Director of the Year Anderson .Paak B Pace Productions & Jacquees Benny Boom Cactus Jack Cole Bennett Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar Dave Meyers Foggieraw Tyler, the Creator Best New Artist 41 Ayra Starr BigXthaPlug Bossman Dlow Dee Billz Leon Thomas October London Shaboozey Teddy Swims Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award 'A God (There Is)' - Common & Pete Rock Feat. Jennifer Hudson 'Amen' - Pastor Mike Jr. 'Better Days' - Fridayy 'Church Doors (Terry Hunter Remix)' - Yolanda Adams Feat. Sir The Baptist & Donald Lawrence 'Constant' - Maverick City Music, Jordin Sparks, Chandler Moore & Anthony Gargiula 'Deserve To Win' - Tamela Mann 'Faith' - Rapsody 'Rain Down on Me' - GloRilla Feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music Viewer's Choice Award 'Residuals' - Chris Brown 'Denial Is A River' - Doechii 'Nokia' - Drake 'Like That' - Future & Metro Boomin Feat. Kendrick Lamar 'TGIF' - GloRilla 'Not Like Us' - Kendrick Lamar 'Luther' - Kendrick Lamar & SZA 'Brokey' - Latto Best International Act Any Gabrielly (Brazil) Ayra Starr (Nigeria) Bashy (United Kingdom) Black Sherif (Ghana) Ezra Collective (United Kingdom) Joé Dwèt Filé (France) Mc Luanna (Brazil) Rema (Nigeria) Sdm (France) Tyla (South Africa) Uncle Waffles (Swaziland) Best New International Act Abigail Chams (Tanzania) Ajuliacosta (Brazil) Amabbi (Brazil) Dlala Thukzin (South Africa) Dr Yaro (France) kwn (United Kingdom) Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa) Merveille (France) Odeal (United Kingdom) Shallipopi (Nigeria) TxC (South Africa) BET Her 'Beautiful People' - Mary J. Blige 'Blackbiird' - Beyoncé Feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts 'Bloom' - Doechii 'Burning' - Tems 'Defying Gravity' - Cynthia Erivo Feat. Ariana Grande 'Heart of a Woman' - Summer Walker 'Hold On' - Tems 'In My Bag' FLO & GloRilla Best Movie Bad Boys: Ride Or Die Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Luther: Never Too Much Mufasa: The Lion King One Of Them Days Rebel Ridge The Piano Lesson The Six Triple Eight Best Actor Aaron Pierre Aldis Hodge Anthony Mackie Colman Domingo Denzel Washington Jamie Foxx Joey Bada$ Kevin Hart Sterling K. Brown Will Smith Best Actress Andra Day Angela Bassett Coco Jones Cynthia Erivo Keke Palmer Kerry Washington Quinta Brunson Viola Davis Zendaya YoungStars Award Akira Akbar Blue Ivy Carter Graceyn 'Gracie' Hollingsworth Heiress Harris Melody Hurd Thaddeus J. Mixson Tyrik Johnson Vanvan Sportswoman of the Year Award A'ja Wilson Angel Reese Claressa Shields Coco Gauff Dawn Staley Flau'jae Johnson Juju Watkins Sha'Carri Richardson Simone Biles Sportsman of the Year Award Aaron Judge Anthony Edwards Deion Sanders Jalen Hurts Jayson Tatum LeBron James Saquon Barkley Stephen Curry

Diddy On Trial  Diddy's ex: 'I wanted to stop having sex with other men'
Diddy On Trial  Diddy's ex: 'I wanted to stop having sex with other men'

BBC News

timean hour ago

  • BBC News

Diddy On Trial Diddy's ex: 'I wanted to stop having sex with other men'

The former partner of Sean 'Diddy' Combs has testified about wanting to stop having sex with other men, and told the court about their arguments. 'Jane', who is using a pseudonym to protect her identity, told the court they had both been physically violent and that Diddy 'punched, kicked and dragged her'. 'Jane' will be cross-examined by Sean 'Diddy' Combs' defence team on Tuesday. The judge also gave the government prosecutors a day to respond to a motion for a mistrial that Diddy's legal team filed over the weekend, which alleged prosecutorial misconduct. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty speaks to CBS national news correspondent Jericka Duncan about the day in court. Sean 'Diddy' Combs is on trial in New York, facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering with conspiracy and transportation for prostitution. He denies all the charges. The Diddy on Trial podcast is here to investigate the rumours, confront the theories, and give you the answers that you need. We also want YOU to be part of the conversation. Have you any questions about the case? Heard a theory that doesn't sit right with you? Get in touch now via WhatsApp: 0330 123 555 1. Details of organisations in the UK offering information and support with some of the issues raised are available at Presenter: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Laura Jones Sound Design: Mark Burrows Senior Digital Producer: Matthew Pintus Production Coordinator: Hattie Valentine Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Assistant Producer: Rechmial Miller

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store