Top Ten Greatest Films of All Time: #4

Often the first film a director makes is their best. The prime example of this is Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, the movie that made everyone afraid to swim in the ocean.

Jaws was released on June 20th, 1975 and reeled in over 260 million dollars, making it the first ever summer blockbuster. But it was more than just a moneymaker about a big fish. Jaws in many way epitomizes the perfect model of how to make a great movie.

The conflict arises from an unknown and mysterious entity. I mean, how do you combat a shark? The people of Amity are taken on a roller coaster of fear and deception not only from the shark, but from leading officials in the town as well. Three men (played exceptionally by Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw and Richard Dreyfuss) decide to take on this evil and bring peace back to the small island community.

That general formula that Jaws follows has been copied and imitated ever since and truly speaks to the genius of Steven Spielberg. His direction and creative camera shots to only allow the viewer to see glimpses of the shark really build suspense throughout.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest won Best Picture that year, but time has shown us that Jaws is the superior film. It did win three Academy Awards for Editing, Sound and Original Score. Shaw’s performance as Quint, an experienced fisherman with a death wish is haunting to say the least. The monologue he delivers in the cabin of his boat the ORCA about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis is the best in film history. The fact he did not even receive a nomination for Best Supporting Actor is the worst mistake the Academy has ever made.

Shaw’s chemistry with Scheider and Dreyfuss is unparalleled in my opinion. The three of them carry the last act of the film without a dull moment present. Scheider and Dreyfuss hold their own and stick out as beams of light throughout the movie, especially Scheider.

From the iconic score to exceptional performances and story that keeps you at the edge of your seat, it’s hard to find many things wrong with Jaws. Sure, some of the acting is shotty at times and the special effects are outdated, but these aspects don’t take away from what is already an all time great movie.

What keeps Jaws from climbing any higher is that it doesn’t really leave you with a profound thought or idea. The remaining three movies on my list really leave the viewer questioning what they just saw and more importantly, who they really are. Jaws takes you on a suspenseful ride from start to finish and ends with a bang, but no further emotions are felt. But, I love Jaws and consider a must watch if you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing it.

Make sure to check in next Friday for entry number three on my countdown, a masterpiece from the greatest filmmaker of all time.