Ideas How Jaws made us believe white sharks are real villains
Jun 23, 2025
Join Molly Segal, a CBC producer known for her documentary on sharks, along with shark scientist John Chisholm and historian Michaela Thompson, as they delve into how 'Jaws' reshaped our view of great whites. They explore the eerie relationship between cultural myths and ocean life, revealing how fear of sharks was already ingrained in society before the film's 1975 release. Marine biologist Pete Gerges adds flavor by discussing the broader implications of humanity's fascination with sea monsters. It's a deep dive into perception, myth, and reality surrounding these misunderstood creatures.
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Jaws Exploited Primal Shark Fear
- Jaws intensified an existing primal fear of sharks rather than creating it.
- Spielberg's film used imagery and music to make the shark a memorable villain that resonates with viewers.
Personal Connections Sparked by Jaws
- Melanie Engler's brother met his future wife at Jaws Fest, a festival celebrating the film.
- She first encountered Jaws through a sequel on TV, then appreciated the original after a parent's suggestion.
Real Shark Attacks Inspire Jaws
- Real incidents of great white shark attacks inspired some scenes in Jaws.
- Historical shark encounters helped build the movie's atmosphere of fear and fascination.
