New details have emerged shedding light on the tumultuous journey of one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history, “Jaws”, which nearly flopped at the box office. The behind-the-scenes account of the making of this cinematic masterpiece is revealed in the upcoming book, “The Last Kings of Hollywood”, authored by Paul Fischer.
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Scheduled to release in February next year, the book delves into the intricate process behind the creation of “Jaws”, which became the first film to exceed $100 million in box office revenue. Fischer discloses that director Steven Spielberg initially dismissed the idea of using a real shark in the movie, opting instead to create a mechanical great white named Bruce. Despite an $8.5 million budget, Bruce faced numerous technical challenges, with saltwater causing damage to the rubber skin and electronic components.
As filming commenced in Martha’s Vineyard, Spielberg’s meticulous attention to detail became evident as he tirelessly worked on perfecting each shot. However, the production was not without obstacles, including the recurrent malfunctioning of the mechanical shark and various on-set mishaps like delayed meals and lost equipment. Amidst the challenges, Spielberg’s dedication to the project remained unwavering, seeking approval from studio executives each night to continue the production.
During filming, an offhand remark by a crew member witnessing the steel shark being towed by a small boat—”You’re going to need a bigger boat”—became a recurring joke on set, adding levity to the demanding shoot. Actor Roy Scheider, who starred in the film, even incorporated the line into an improvised scene, which ultimately made it to the final cut of “Jaws”, much to Spielberg’s amusement.
The book also explores the interactions between Spielberg and fellow filmmakers Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas, who visited the set of “Jaws”. Lucas’ curiosity led him to inspect the mechanics of the mechanical shark, resulting in a practical joke by Spielberg that left Lucas momentarily trapped inside the great white’s jaws. Despite the tense moment, the filmmakers managed to free Lucas, albeit with some effort.
“The Last Kings of Hollywood” offers a captivating insight into the behind-the-scenes drama and camaraderie that unfolded during the making of “Jaws” and the intertwined careers of Hollywood luminaries of the era. From Spielberg’s perseverance against technical setbacks to the camaraderie shared by the cast and crew, the book promises a riveting account of a cinematic milestone that almost did not reach its full potential.
As the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” approaches, audiences can look forward to a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by the filmmakers through Fischer’s detailed narrative. With anecdotes that reveal the tenacity and creativity required to bring a cinematic classic to life, “The Last Kings of Hollywood” is set to offer a fresh perspective on the enduring legacy of a film that redefined the landscape of blockbuster cinema.