Comments on: Open Wide: The Influence of “Jaws” On Modern High Concept Films

By: Grant Bissell

Grant Bissell — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:51:50 +0000

The reason I chose to read this review was because I had just finished watching this film for Unit 9 of my film 101 class. I agree with you in that there really aren’t to many things more terrifying than being attacked by a huge shark while swimming in the ocean. It has always been one of my biggest fears, so I’m glad I can relate to this post. I agree that Spielberg has really set the bar high for filmmakers everywhere with his innovative style. Jaws really did start the now known trend of, “Summer blockbusters”, and I think that mark on film will always be remembered for the years to come. Your review opened my eyes to a lot of things that Jaws has changed over the years, and I’m glad someone recognized it!

Great Job!

By: Andy Firestone

Andy Firestone — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 06:15:49 +0000

I think that this is an excellent review on the impact of “Jaws” on high concept films. You made several excellent points about the films exceptional marketing and production techniques. The high budget of this film definitely did impact the film industry and I think that you proved this point well. A point that you made concerning the films score is very interesting. I believe that this film’s success can largely be attributed to its incredible score. The music in the scenes where the shark is approaching sticks with me every time I enter the ocean. It made this movie number one of the list of the scariest movies of all time. This movies ability to change the way people look at the ocean is fascinating. I watched a very interesting documentary on the effect that this film had on people’s view of sharks and I was amazed. Before this film, sharks were thought of as a similar animal to dolphins. People thought that they were large, but harmless. This perspective was obviously changed and that is what is so amazing about this film.

By: Lauren Franke

Lauren Franke — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 04:46:01 +0000

I believe you did a fantastic job in this review. I personally have only seen part of the film Jaws because I was shown the beginning of it when I was little and was too afraid to see the rest ever since! I agree with your description of the third-person camera angle and the camera angle that allowed the audience to see the point of view of the shark coming up under the innocent swimmers, and how this expands the fear in the audience. However, I feel that the score from the movie is really one of the most important and most iconic part of the whole movie. Even for those who have not seen the movie, almost everybody across all generations knows that score and knows where it comes from. Even when it is not affiliated with the film, the score itself sends chills through the backs of the audience and instill a sense of fear even when just listening to that particular score on its own without the movie.

By: Jennifer Goldman

Jennifer Goldman — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 23:16:52 +0000

I thoroughly enjoyed your review! I had no idea that Jaws was the highest grossing film of all time and modeled the film industry from then on. But now that I think about it, it makes sense! The camera angles of the movie are especially what make it so terrifying – it truly feels like you’re right there experiencing the shark attack while watching the movie! Also in your review I really enjoyed your analysis of how and why Jaws was a high-concept film and agreed with every point you made about it. Overall it was a very well done review!

By: Christopher Ariaz

Christopher Ariaz — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 04:22:17 +0000

Your review was extremely well written and organized. You did a great job of developing your thesis in your introduction and then providing the supporting arguments and definitions to uphold your thesis. I really liked how you actually provided the source for where you drew the definition for “high concept” films into your paper, it provided a clear understanding of what was meant by that term and lended credibility to your paper.
You made excellent arguments in your paper to support your thesis, including the simple slogan mass marketing that went into Jaws, including the “don’t go into the water” phrase. Your paper clearly showed how Jaws was truly a high concept film and influenced generations of films to come.

By: Kristen Hargreaves

Kristen Hargreaves — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 07:17:00 +0000

This was an interesting analysis of the movie “Jaws.” I have never seen the movie myself, however your plot summary convinced me that this was a great, classic film. I have of course heard about the film and the effect it put on society after viewing it, and after reading this review I know why! Having the camera angle be in first person in order to put themselves in their shoes during the time of the attacks is thrilling, especially going down into the waters after the attack. I also did not know that this film changed the direction of this genre of film, so that was an interesting fact as well. Really well done analysis!

By: Thomas Fairchild

Thomas Fairchild — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 02:57:29 +0000

I am quite fond of jaw movies and I have no clue why. Sometimes I think its the fact that something like a shark can make a movie so suspenseful transitioning it into a horror film. Shark attacks happen all over the globe and at least happening a few times a year. The camera movement used in this film made you feel like you were in the boat getting attacked by the shark. Later on they use characters as doubles in a sequel to this movie. I believe in jaws revenge the son of the protagonists resembles him throughout the whole movie regardless of the hate he had for the shark and his fathers obsession for killing the shark. In jaws revenges there are also scenes that are doubled from the first jaws movie. I believe its just a movie that must be seen but can also be a movie that convinces you to never step foot in the ocean again.