Renowned Designer Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Secrets from the Making of ‘Jaws’!
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An exclusive interview with Joe Alves, the production designer of the iconic 1975 thriller ‘Jaws’, sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of creating the terrifying shark that terrorised audiences worldwide. The film, directed by a young Steven Spielberg, set the standard for suspense and horror in cinema history.
Joe Alves, now 89 years old, recalls the fateful day he was approached with a peculiar question: “Can you build a shark?” Having been an art director for over ten years, Alves was tasked with creating the animatronic sharks for the film adaptation of Peter Benchley’s novel about a Great White shark plaguing a seaside town. Studio executives were initially hesitant about the project until Spielberg’s vision convinced them otherwise.
The journey to bring ‘Jaws’ to life was a tumultuous one, as Alves and his team faced numerous obstacles in creating the lifelike shark. From designing the shark based on real Great White footage to convincing the effects company to take on the challenge, Alves was determined to make the impossible a reality.
As Alves recounts, the decision to build a 25-foot shark to film in the real ocean was unprecedented at the time. With time constraints and technical hurdles, including sharks breaking down in cold water, the production of ‘Jaws’ was a test of patience and ingenuity. Despite setbacks, Alves and his team persevered, eventually bringing the mechanical shark, affectionately named Bruce, to life on screen.
The iconic scenes of the shark attacking the hull and the chilling moment of a fisherman’s head post-attack were crafted with meticulous detail by Alves and his team. The shock and awe that ‘Jaws’ delivered to audiences were unexpected, as the film transformed from a modest shark movie into a cultural phenomenon that resonated worldwide.
Alves reflects on the initial reception of the film, noting that they were underestimated during production. However, the resounding success of ‘Jaws’ at the box office and its enduring legacy in cinematic history proved all doubters wrong. The film’s impact on both the industry and audiences solidified Alves and Spielberg’s place in movie-making lore.
Today, the legacy of ‘Jaws’ lives on through the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, where the last surviving full-scale model of Bruce is displayed. The craftsmanship and dedication of Joe Alves and his team continue to captivate and inspire new generations of filmmakers and enthusiasts.
In a world where CGI dominates special effects, the practical craftsmanship and innovation behind ‘Jaws’ serve as a testament to the power of creativity and determination in bringing cinematic visions to life. Joe Alves’ recounting of the making of ‘Jaws’ provides a rare glimpse into the magic of movie-making and the enduring impact of a film that forever changed the landscape of cinema.