Jaws
1975
*****
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Murray Hamilton
As the beautiful Amity Island off the coast of New England is preparing to welcome tourists for the Fourth of July weekend, police chief Brody struggles to convince the mayor that all the beaches should be closed because of an imminent shark threat. Steven Spielberg became a household name with this riveting thriller, which showcases what a brilliant director can do with pulp material. The first half gradually builds the tension, and the second half is all-out action at sea. The movie was followed by numerous awful sequels and rip-offs, but the original has stood the test of time. An Academy Award winner for best sound, editing, and John Williams' unforgettable score. Based on Peter Benchley's book.
