History Daily Jaws Hits U.S. Movie Theaters
Jun 20, 2025
Dive into the remarkable story behind the release of Jaws in 1975. Discover the struggles faced by a young Steven Spielberg as he transitioned from television to film. Learn about the anxiety of filming with an incomplete script and how humor was woven into the narrative. Explore the technical failures and cast conflicts that ultimately shaped the film's legacy. Most importantly, see how Jaws revolutionized the movie industry, paving the way for the summer blockbuster era with its groundbreaking success.
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Spielberg’s Nervousness Post-Shoot
- After a difficult filming ordeal, a 27-year-old Spielberg feared his career was over due to Jaws' budget overruns.
- He experienced intense panic and uncertainty but had no idea the film would become a huge success.
Spielberg Chosen to Direct Jaws
- Spielberg got offered Jaws directing due to his youth and willingness to take risks on a difficult project.
- The mechanical shark and water setting made Jaws a career-defining challenge for the young director.
Script Woes Lead to On-Set Rewrites
- The Jaws script was unfinished and problematic right before shooting, prompting Spielberg to bring in a comedy writer on short notice.
- The writer had to work under intense pressure, rewriting during filming.
