Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story - Review 

Rating: 4 out of 5

WHETHER or not this documentary marking the 50th anniversary of Jaws is the definitive version is debatable. But as an enjoyable celebration of Steven Spielberg’s seminal movie it’s hard to beat.

Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, who actually has made a Jaws documentary previously, for the 20th anniversary LaserDisc in 1995, this is filled with anecdotes, tributes, interviews and behind-the-scenes looks and outtakes that should provide a suitably tasty treat for Jaws fans (of which there are still so many).

It also examines the film’s ability to endure… which seems apt given that the 50th anniversary re-release in cinemas this summer proved as popular as ever, even catapulting it back into the higher echelons of the US box office (No.2) at the expense of several new releases.

I certainly know I still love it and my family count seeing it on the big screen for the first time as one of the highlights of the summer of ‘25.

In truth, this Jaws documentary doesn’t tell you too much that you didn’t know already.

But it is interesting to hear the most up-to-date interview with Spielberg as he recounts, honestly, how the making of Jaws actually left him with PTSD. It traumatised him for years - despite being the film that gave him Final Cut.

Spielberg is quite candid about the nightmares involved in overcoming the logistical problems posed by the mechanical shark (nick-named Bruce after Spielberg’s lawyer), filming at sea and the pressure from the studio as the film ran over schedule and over budget.

There’s also archived interviews with everyone from original author Peter Benchley and a couple of family members, Richard Dreyfus and Robert Shaw and many of the crew members tasked with making the shark and the Martha’s Vineyard islanders who added authenticity to the piece by occupying many of the roles of Amity Islanders.

Film buffs will enjoy seeing some of the film’s references, with Spielberg citing Hitchcock as a major one, while also hearing from John Williams about the creation of the iconic score.

And there’s a section devoted to the creation of Shaw’s iconic speech about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis into shark-infested waters that adds to the magic of that classic moment (Shaw’s original take was wrecked by his drunkenness; it was captured on his second, delivered while sober and with suitable humility).

I also enjoyed hearing from some of the heavyweight directors of today, including Steven Soderbergh, Guillermo Del Toro, James Cameron and JJ Abrams about their views… while even Emily Blunt brings the enthusiasm us Jaws fans know and love about being part of that club as she recalls her favourite scenes (and crush on leading man Roy Scheider).

As a companion piece to a still seminal movie, this Jaws documentary offers plenty for fans to sink their own jaws into.

Running time: 88mins