If there was a movie most deserving of a special documentary about its making and legacy 50 years after its release that movie would
be "Jaws". Like it or not, this one of the remarkable cinematic experiences that changed the game in the film industry, established for good
the name of Steven Spielberg as one of the greatest film directors of all time, but also made the system pay more attention to film release
calendars (being July a key month for blockbuster releases) which in turn made studios focus intensely on the business part more than the show.
But it's a damn great movie that never lost its essence, its charm, its humanity, and to a great number of people one of those classics that needs
to be seen over and over. A true icon of the 1970's New Hollywood with a large following of fans and admirers who love everything about: the story,
the acting, the editing, John Williams unforgettable tense score, and even the fear of swimming on a beach is shared.
Luckiest man in the behind the scenes department Laurent Bourezeau once again delivered a masterful look back to a cinema classic. If you
watch DVD/Blu-Ray bonus materials you probably seen his name attached to several making of or tribute specials to countless films, and this one
is definitely one of his best ever made. We have Spielberg recounting memories and impressions while making "Jaws", the many difficulties faced
while shooting important sequences, dealing with studio heads and the inner pressure of believing that that the film would either make or break
his career. Also involved with the film are the presences of composer John Williams and actress Lorraine Gray; but Richard Dreyfuss is absent except
for some unseen behind the scenes moments.
Then there's also the great admirers of "Jaws" like directors Steven Soderbergh, James Cameron, Guillermo Del Toro, Cameron Crowe,
J. J. Abrams, Jordan Peele, actress Emily Blunt, all with fond memories of seeing the film long before they become involved with the film industry. Those are the expected obvious parts yet it's pretty good to watch them all.
The difference from similar specials were the fascinating and lovely interviews with oceanographers, as the film presented a good view
of their world and "Jaws" end up having a dual legacy about it - the ones favoring the protection of sharks and others wanting to become hunters
like Quint; and the bits with the locals from the filming location who had small or extra roles in the picture, and how the film became an
important part of their lives and the town too; and some curious info on writer Peter Benchley (who wrote the novel) shared by his family -
the anedocte about Fidel Castro being a fan of the book as a metaphor for Capitalism and its problems was hilarious to hear.
It's a near perfect documentary that covers everything you need to know about "Jaws", its making and the everlasting experience it caused
on many audiences. I believe that an extra half-hour was needed to show Spielberg's career and power afterwards - just to refresh some memories
out there - and the big influence sparkled within the film industry, good and bad, and along with "Star Wars" that's the scenery we're into it
when it comes to blockbusters and upcoming releases and the desperate need for bigger, better, faster and more of the same films which sometimes
come with a compromised result. "Jaws" is a different case though. It was never a matter of luck, it was pure talent, hard work and the best people and the best intentions put together with an excellent result. Here's to another 50 years! 9/10.
