Discover the Secrets of Jaws: Deleted Scene and Film Trivia
We all love Jaws, the 1975 classic that captured our imaginations and sent shivers down our spines. But did you know that this iconic thriller is not without its interesting behind-the-scenes stories? Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the mysterious world of Jaws and uncover some little-known facts that will blow your mind.
Jaws had its fair share of spine-chilling moments, but there’s one deleted scene that most fans have never seen. Picture this: a scene so chilling it might have outdone the shark itself. Intrigued? Let’s dive in!
Have you ever wondered about the famous line, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat”? It turns out that the shark’s sudden appearance in that scene startled the audience so much during the test screening that they were still screaming when Chief Brody dropped his iconic line. To make sure no one missed it, Steven Spielberg extended the scene and raised the volume of Roy Scheider’s voice. And here’s a little secret: Scheider actually ad-libbed that unforgettable line!
John Williams’ eerie music is one of the driving forces that make Jaws such a timeless classic. But did you know that Spielberg originally laughed when he first heard the score? He couldn’t believe that the simple two-note tune would become so iconic. Little did he know, Williams’ score would be a game-changer and an integral part of the film’s success.
Believe it or not, when Spielberg first read the Jaws novel, he was actually rooting for the shark! He found the human characters so unlikeable that he couldn’t help but sympathize with the ferocious predator. Fortunately, Spielberg’s viewpoint didn’t sway the making of the movie, and the result is a masterpiece that terrifies us to this day.
The making of Jaws wasn’t all smooth sailing. The mechanical shark malfunctioned frequently, causing delays and frustrations. But despite the challenges, the movie’s first screening in Dallas proved that their worries were unwarranted. The audience’s screams of terror reassured the producers that they had created something truly special.
Robert Shaw’s portrayal of Quint, the seasoned shark hunter, is unforgettable. Many believe that Shaw deserved an Oscar for his powerful performance. From his intense presence to his harrowing USS Indianapolis monologue, Shaw owned every moment on screen. Sadly, his life was tragically cut short, leaving us with a lasting memory of his incredible talent.
Behind the scenes, there were a lot of interesting tidbits that added to the magic of Jaws. Did you know that the iconic “USS Indianapolis” speech had multiple versions? The debate over who wrote the final version remains unresolved, but it was Robert Shaw who truly brought it to life with his own interpretation.
And speaking of Shaw, did you know that he and Richard Dreyfuss, who played Matt Hooper, didn’t exactly get along? Shaw’s struggles with alcohol created tension on set. Dreyfuss once even threw Shaw’s drink into the ocean, leading to a rivalry that lasted throughout filming. Despite the off-screen drama, their performances on screen were nothing short of remarkable.
One of the most shocking scenes in Jaws is the death of young Alex Kintner. Originally, a deleted scene was meant to show the full extent of this terrifying moment. However, due to its graphic nature, Spielberg and the editors decided to trim the shot, leaving only the shark’s fins visible. Although no full footage of the deleted scene exists, fans can catch glimpses of it in a documentary on the Jaws Blu-ray.
Throughout the film, there are a few continuity mistakes and details that keen-eyed viewers may notice. Keep an eye out for the changing number of barrels on the Orca, the inconsistency in the word “ORCA” on the boat, and the curious disappearing and reappearing machete.
And if you’re a plant enthusiast, you might spot the blooming cherry tree at the beginning of the movie, which is out of season for the film’s setting.
Jaws is a film that keeps on giving, with its mysteries and trivia. So grab your popcorn, head back into the waters of Jaws, and get ready for another unforgettable adventure! Share your thoughts and let us know what you discover on your next viewing.
