A landmark in film history
The 1975 classic Jaws, directed by a young Steven Spielberg, marks its 50th anniversary with a special exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. The display includes original props, annotated script pages, and a full-scale replica of the mechanical shark that visitors can interact with.
The production of Jaws was notoriously difficult, with weather disruptions, malfunctioning equipment, and financial overruns. What was initially scheduled for 55 days of filming extended to 159. Spielberg has often described the process as one of the toughest challenges of his early career.
Inside the Orca and iconic film moments
At the center of the exhibition is a recreation of the Orca, the fishing boat central to the story. Visitors can also revisit the scene where Robert Shaw delivered his legendary monologue, a speech that grew through contributions from several writers and the actor himself.
Improvised sessions with the cast further enriched the film’s script, producing lines that have since become part of cinematic history.
From challenges to legacy
Spielberg has acknowledged that the making of Jaws left him with recurring nightmares, but ultimately it was the film that launched his career to new heights. While the original sets and mechanical sharks were eventually destroyed, one preserved and restored version of “Bruce” now stands as a centerpiece of the exhibition.
Celebrating five decades of impact
Open through next summer, the exhibit allows audiences to explore the creative process behind a film that redefined suspense and blockbuster cinema. For Spielberg, the anniversary serves as both a reminder of the obstacles he overcame and a celebration of the movie that opened the door to his lifelong career in filmmaking.
