Journey into the turbulent production of the iconic film 'Jaws' as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Discover how Spielberg faced mechanical failures, crew tensions, and unpredictable weather, almost derailing the project. Explore the innovative solutions born from pressure that transformed a cinematic nightmare into a groundbreaking success. Unpack the cultural legacy of the movie, from reshaping shark perceptions to defining the summer blockbuster. This exploration reveals how chaos can inspire creativity in the heart of Hollywood.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Stuntman Attacked by Real Shark
A stuntman in a steel cage was attacked by a real great white shark, crushing the cage.
This incident proved filming with a live shark was unsafe and impractical.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Mechanical Shark Breakdowns
The mechanical sharks repeatedly failed in saltwater, delaying crucial scenes.
This forced Spielberg to shoot alternative scenes and rethink suspense without showing the shark.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Crew Mutiny on Location
The crew mutinied due to Spielberg's strict schedule that didn't let them go home.
Poor working conditions led to a tense and jokingly rebellious atmosphere on set.
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The Jaws Log is a firsthand account by Carl Gottlieb, who worked as a screenwriter and actor on the film. It chronicles the year-long production of 'Jaws', from the acquisition of Peter Benchley's novel to the film's release. The book provides insights into the technical challenges faced by the cast and crew, including the infamous mechanical shark 'Bruce'. This expanded edition includes a photo section, an introduction by Peter Benchley, and an afterword by Gottlieb.
Steven Spielberg
A Biography
Joseph McBride
This biography by Joseph McBride provides an in-depth look at Steven Spielberg's life and career, from his early days as a young filmmaker to his rise as a Hollywood legend. It covers his personal struggles, creative evolution, and the making of some of his most iconic films. The book offers rich behind-the-scenes information and critical analysis of Spielberg's work.
Jaws
Peter Benchley
Published in 1974, 'Jaws' tells the story of a great white shark that preys upon the fictional town of Amity, a small seaside resort on Long Island. The novel follows the efforts of Police Chief Martin Brody, marine biologist Matt Hooper, and shark hunter Quint as they try to stop the shark. The book explores themes of public safety versus economic survival, marital strife, and the primal fear of nature's brutality. Despite mixed critical reviews, the novel was a huge commercial success and led to a iconic film adaptation by Steven Spielberg[1][3][5].
Steven Spielberg thought his career was finished. He was behind schedule, his actors were fighting, the crew were mutinous and worst of all, his shark was broken. It looked like Jaws was destined for failure, but the movie that came out defined the Hollywood blockbuster. In this special episode celebrating 50 years of Jaws, we take lessons from the greatest monster movie that almost wasn't made.
Thanks to Alastair Greig for additional music.
For a full list of sources, see the show notes at timharford.com.
Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford 
