Jaws at 50: Richard Dreyfuss's Untold Story and the Legacy of a Blockbuster

2025-06-20 18:00:30.307

Fifty years after its release, Jaws remains a cinematic landmark. Richard Dreyfuss, who played marine biologist Matt Hooper, shares his memories of filming, including the infamous mechanical shark malfunctions and the surprisingly mythical feud with Robert Shaw. The film's impact on shark populations is discussed, with Spielberg expressing regret for the decimation caused by the film's portrayal of sharks as mindless killing machines. However, Jaws also unexpectedly spurred interest in marine science and conservation, a legacy actively championed by author Peter Benchley and his wife. Lorraine Gary, who played Ellen Brody, also shares her experiences, contrasting Dreyfuss's aversion to water with her own continued love of swimming and encounters with sharks. The article explores the film's creation, its unprecedented success as the first summer blockbuster, and the lasting impact it had on popular culture and environmental awareness.