The Climax in the Beach Scene in Jaws

The Climax in the Beach Scene in Jaws

The spectacular film “Jaws” was filmed in 1975 and directed by Steven

Spielberg at the age of 27. The film was based on a book titled ‘A

Stillness In The Water’ by Peter Benchely. The scene being analysed

reflects the main plot in the book. It is set on a beach and involves

a young boy, who is later attacked by a shark.

The essay will analyse how the use of cinematic techniques such as

lighting, colour, sound, camera shots, camera edits/movements and mise

en scene help to prepare the audience for the climax in this

particular scene.

Lighting and colour are used effectively in preparing the audience for

the climax. This is evident at the start of the scene where the

atmosphere on the beach is pleasant and sunny. Natural lighting is

used to make the scene realistic to watch and feel involved in. As the

scene progresses, the natural lighting seems to dim prior to the

shark’s appearance to create a growing sense of danger and insecurity.

The lighting is faded to illustrate the murkiness of the water. Doing

this shows that the gradual close proximity of the shark is disguised

until it ensnares the child.

The purpose of colour in clothing is effective in building suspense.

The audience are introduced to the boy who is clothed in red swimming

trunks. The colour red signifies his vulnerability, and also

indicating blood. The people on the beach are clothed in bright and

vibrant swimwear to portray that they are relaxed and nothing troubles

them. This technique enables anything sinister that occurs to appear

sudden and unforeseen. In addition, it gently unravels the

disturbances that arise at...

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... mangled lilo dispersed in bloody water drifts up on the seafront. This

gives guidance in stressing the grievance and affliction to the

audience.

Based on all the points conceived, I can conclude that the overall use

of cinematic techniques are effective in building tension and suspense

in the climatic scene. Each technique emphasises this powerfully and

combined produces an even greater impact. I found that sound was used

exceptionally well in achieving this. The music that is played as the

shark draws nearer the surface provides an increasingly tense

atmosphere among the audience. The many differential contrasts in

sound that are used also trigger the knowledge of something fatal and

disastrous to arise. As to the success of the film, it grossed $745

million worldwide, enhancing the vast influence on the audience.