When Jaws was released half a century ago, it instantly sank its teeth into our consciousness – and has never loosened its grip.
Steven Spielberg’s gripping masterpiece follows three mismatched men – aquaphobic Chief Brody (Roy Scheider), passionate ichthyologist Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and salty shark fisherman Quint (Robert Shaw) – hunting the great white terrorising a New England beach resort.
The Birth of the Blockbuster
Jaws was the first film to earn over $100 million at the box office, inventing the summer blockbuster. It wasn’t just cinema; it was a pop-culture phenomenon. Fifty years on, we’re still jawing about Jaws.
Wendy Benchley, leading shark conservationist and widow of author Peter Benchley, remains astounded by the film’s enduring relevance. Speaking from Washington DC, she says: “I’m amazed that Jaws remains relevant after 50 years. It’s unique not just because of the movie magic, but the positive ripple effect it created.”
An Unexpected Conservation Legacy
Perhaps Jaws‘ most important legacy is how it radically changed our perception of sharks. Beyond box-office success, it surprisingly boosted protection of these mighty creatures.
The film reframed our relationship with sharks, overturning stereotypes of vicious killing machines. It converted terror into fascination, triggering conservation efforts continuing today.
Left: Official poster for the 1975 Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster, Jaws.
Right: Photo of the man who created Jaws in the first place, writer Peter Benchley. Photo: Alex Gotfryd
Counter-intuitively, far from demonising sharks, Jaws intensified our awe for these apex predators. It prompted increased shark protection and helped them thrive, leading people to understand their vital role in marine ecosystems.
Ocean Guardians
Marine cinematographer Bertie Gregory, who swims uncaged with sharks, highlights great whites’ critical role in ocean health: “They’re a keystone species. As top predators, great whites keep ecosystems balanced. Their presence allows countless other species to survive.
“The ocean provides so much we take for granted – the air we breathe, food for billions worldwide. A healthy ocean requires lots of sharks.”
As top-level predators, Great White sharks regulate the populations of other species, ensuring biodiversity. Their presence also helps protect vital habitats like coral reefs and seagrass meadows.
Scientific Inspiration
Eighty-four-year-old Wendy, featured in new documentary Jaws@50: The Definitive Inside Story, has witnessed dramatic ocean changes as a scuba diver, fuelling her advocacy for misunderstood sharks.
She recalls the film’s immediate conservation impact: “Initially, some people took Jaws as licence to kill sharks. That negative reaction horrified Peter and me – we’d always been passionate shark defenders.”
However, bloodlust soon transformed into reverence. “Suddenly, there was huge shark interest,” Wendy explains. “Marine science applications at University of Miami increased 30 per cent after Jaws. People were frightened, but more intrigued and fascinated.”
Following the release of Jaws, the Benchleys traveled the world, participating in expeditions, conducting research, and collaborating with marine scientists. Wendy served on the board of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) for 18 years, and Peter was an EDF spokesman.
Today, Wendy regularly encounters audiences inspired by the film: “People tell me ‘Jaws got me interested in sharks – now I want to become a marine scientist.’ Whether they do or not, they’re interested and support environmental groups. Fifty years later, people understand sharks’ ocean importance.”
Natural Behaviour, Not Malice
The film accurately portrayed great whites as creatures following natural instincts, not malicious killers. National Geographic Explorer Brian Skerry emphasises: “The shark isn’t a villain – it’s doing what it does. Hundreds of shark species keep oceans healthy. The scariest thing would be an ocean without sharks.”
Conservation biologist Candace Fields agrees, noting we invade their habitat: “Sharks aren’t infesting water – they live there. We enter their environment, accepting inherent risks.”
The mechanical shark in Jaws was nicknamed “Bruce” after Spielberg’s lawyer, Bruce Ramer. Courtesy of Universal Studios Licensing LLC.
Lasting Transformation
Wendy reflects on Jaws‘ enduring power: “The film’s full story is its positive effect. It sparked global shark fascination, opening doors to real science and conservation. Peter and I worked on this our entire lives. After he died, I continued – I’m still working now.
“I hope this 50th anniversary helps thousands more understand sharks’ importance to ocean and planetary health. We need everyone on board!”
Her only regret is Peter’s absence from witnessing his work’s conservation impact. “Peter died in 2006. I wish he could see these changes and that Jaws remains relevant after 50 years. He’d be very pleased.”
One film transformed our view of the much-maligned shark – nothing short of a sea change.
Author: James Rampton
Jaws@50: The Definitive Inside Story streams on Disney+
Lead image: Still from Jaws@50: The Definitive Inside Story, from the original Jaws, 1975. Courtesy of Universal Studios Licensing LLC.
If you are interested in marine conservation, you may enjoy reading Ocean with Sir David Attenborough, Beneath the Seas and discovering the work of conservation photographer Cristina Mittermeier.
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