Quint

Rating: Null/10 (27 March 2001)

Many will fail to realize that the strongest character of all throughout the film was Quint, which probably didn't survive in the movie simply because Spielberg isn't like him (he stated so indirectly in "Saving Private Ryan", when he identified himself with the low-life pathetic coward Upham).
Quint wasn't just any fisherman.
A real human being, with anger, fear and regrets, he is THE ONLY character that gave this movie the depth that only history, world-changing events and/or a man's past can give.
He is possibly the least "spielberg-looking" character of all (watch more Spielberg movies for reference), and it comes as no surprise when he steals every single scene he's in.
Quint, with his colorful personality, did tons more for the film than any of the others could have. You take away that character, and the film loses a lot.
Also, although probably not true, sometimes I wonder if the fact of Robert Shaw not being an american had anything to do with his disregard as an oscar nominee in this film, for his portrayal of Quint.
Without Quint, this movie wouldn't even be half of what it became.