The DVD Documentary

Rating: Null/10 (6 February 2001)

When watching the hour long documentary about the making of Jaws, one begins to realize what an incredible production this film really is.

The main problem with the production was how to deal with the shark. The effects people were told it could not be done and would thwart the production. But they had their own ideas and used such skills as carpentry, science, sweat, and bringing an old effects man out of retirement to get the job done. The documentary takes you back to when films were almost regarded as going to war where ideas and concentration consumed a 24 hour day, as well as plunging deep into one's creativity to get what they want and sometimes not what they want, which many times were welcome surprises that made the film better.
You can't help but compare the creation of the shark to today's computer effects. Where instead of hard work, solving tangible physical problems, the computer effects are done relatively simply and after the production is finished from a controlled environment. The documentary of Jaws shows the filmmakers fighting the elements of the sea, nature, and the mechanical creation which they weren't even to sure whether or not would look real. The result is that it does look real. Even more so than computer effects today which look nothing more than animated cartoons mixing with live elements. With the old physical effects we get a better sense of physical interaction with all the elements on screen. The lighting is consistant, the textures the same. All of which subconsciously create the illusion of reality to the viewer, discerning ones anyway. It also asks the question. Did filmmakers talents in physical effects eventually peak? Or was it that computer effects were easier to do?
Overall the documentary shows that movies are not made like this anymore, only differenty. Which could be good or bad. But when you hear Spielberg talking about the scene when the Kitner boy being eaten being more about the Chief's fears and concerns do you then realize the thought and concern directed to the viewer to enjoy a good story rather than to be impressed by a special effect for 2 hours. Movies today get that backwards now. Somehow most filmmakers think we will be entertained by eye candy, rather than their suggestions of drama and horror they can put into our imaginations. Because truly the most terrifying scenes are when there are only suggestions of the shark and how John Williams score conditions us to feel at ease only to later make us jump out of our seats.
This movie could be released tommorow and set all sorts of records and audiences would once again stand to cheer it. Perhaps even go so far to thank the filmmakers on taking them on such a great journey. Or perhaps not. In any case, truly most films are not made with such consideration as how the audience will respond.