5 Things About ‘Jaws’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

The film “Jaws” is an iconic piece that terrified millions and significantly altered people’s perception of the ocean. Directed by the talented Steven Spielberg, it tells a thrilling story about a coastal town battling a terrifying shark. However, certain aspects of the movie seem inconsistent, while others hit the mark perfectly.

This piece delves into five puzzling instances from the movie Jaws, as well as five scenes that seem incredibly authentic. Let’s examine the aspects of the film that fall short and those that contribute to its greatness.

The Barrel Plan (Zero Sense)

As a shark enthusiast, I must admit the concept of tracking a great white with barrels initially seemed like a smart move. However, upon closer thought, it seems this method might not be as effective as initially thought. Attaching barrels to such a massive shark to slow it down or force it to surface sounds promising, but the reality is that these creatures are more than capable of diving deep and dragging heavy objects with ease. In other words, a few barrels wouldn’t likely pose much of a challenge for a shark of that size.

Additionally, the barrels appear in a handy manner for the storyline, but in truth, a shark could easily swim out of reach, and the barrels may not remain floating or even tethered. The strategy seems more like a cinematic trick than a viable method to capture a shark.

The Shark’s Fear Factor (Perfect Sense)

In the movie “Jaws,” the shark is frighteningly realistic, which adds to its terrifying effect. The great white shark, known for its powerful predatory nature, is skillfully used by the filmmakers to create a sense of impending doom. Each instance where the shark’s fin breaks the water surface evokes the same fear and panic that the characters are feeling.

Jaws’ impact on audiences is largely due to Spielberg’s strategic decision to keep the shark mostly hidden from view, making its rare appearances all the more terrifying. By combining this technique with John Williams’ memorable score, he successfully evokes deep-rooted fears of unknown perils beneath the surface. This tactic makes the shark’s presence seem eerily real and unsettling.

Brody’s Boat Choice (Zero Sense)

Initially, Chief Brody – who has an aversion to water – pursues the menacing shark in a fragile, rickety craft known as the Orca. One might wonder why he’d choose such an unstable boat for a perilous task like hunting a mammoth shark; a larger, stronger vessel would have been more appropriate for the job.

The persistent malfunctions of the Orca make for a more engaging story, yet seem implausible. A skilled sailor such as Quint would probably own a sturdier vessel. Finding it believable that they’d venture out on such an unreliable boat feels challenging.

Quint’s Obsession (Perfect Sense)

The strong dislike that Quint has towards sharks is central to the narrative and seems genuine. His past, as a survivor of the USS Indianapolis incident where sharks preyed on stranded sailors, fuels this obsession. This backstory adds layers to his character and makes his behavior plausible.

Quint’s persistent pursuit of the shark, despite encountering problems, reflects his personality. The combination of talent and risk-taking in him suggests a man influenced by past hardships. This lends authenticity and intrigue to his character within the movie.

The Shark’s Strength (Zero Sense)

In the movie Jaws, the shark appears more like a formidable antagonistic figure akin to a supervillain in comic books. It demonstrates incredible power by tearing through boats and effortlessly moving heavy objects, and it persistently attacks even when wounded. Although real great whites possess remarkable strength, this particular shark seems almost inexhaustible and monstrous.

The shark seems to consume significantly more than a typical shark, devouring multiple individuals and wrecking gear at an alarming rate. This level of destructiveness strains credibility, suggesting that the enhanced power is perhaps intended for added dramatic impact.

The Town’s Panic (Perfect Sense)

In Amity Island, the panic that arises during the shark attacks seems incredibly authentic. People shout, flee, and snatch their children from the water – this mirrors how actual crowds behave when faced with peril. Fear quickly contagions, much like it does in real-world situations.

The town’s authorities are having disagreements about shutting down the beach, with concerns about finances and tourism overshadowing potential risks. This dispute underscores humanity’s behavior when stressed, thus making the narrative more relatable to readers.

Exploding the Shark (Zero Sense)

In the memorable closing sequence, Brody firing at an oxygen tank to supposedly destroy the shark seems legendary yet implausible. In reality, an oxygen tank doesn’t behave like a bomb upon being shot. Even if it did, the likelihood of hitting one within the shark’s mouth is extremely unlikely.

In this scene, style from Hollywood takes precedence over logical consistency. It’s implausible that a real shark could be defeated as effortlessly as shown here, and the ensuing explosion seems more like a handy device to bring the movie to a dramatic climax.

Hooper’s Expertise (Perfect Sense)

Matt Hooper, the marine biologist character, adds a sense of authenticity to the narrative with his insights into shark behavior and biology. These facts about shark habits and anatomy significantly contribute to making the movie more grounded in reality. His expertise confirms that great white sharks are indeed territorial and aggressive, aligning with scientific findings.

Hooper’s tools, such as the shark cage, lend an air of authenticity. His character as a voice of calm logic sets him apart from Quint’s boldness, creating a dynamic that feels genuine. His knowledge enhances our belief in the story’s significance.

The Mayor’s Denial (Zero Sense)

As a concerned citizen, I find it perplexingly irrational that Mayor Vaughn insists on keeping the beaches open, even in the face of compelling evidence suggesting the presence of sharks. Lives are at stake, yet he seems to prioritize tourism over public safety. It’s almost as if we’re watching a cartoon character stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the obvious danger. For a politician, this level of denial feels exceptionally extraordinary.

The mayor’s choice to maintain the beaches accessible despite numerous attacks appears counterintuitive and almost scripted, as if it were designed to prolong the narrative, suggesting an unusual reluctance to intervene under such circumstances, which is typically not expected of a responsible mayor.

The Ocean’s Terror (Perfect Sense)

In the film Jaws, the ocean appears as if it’s a distinct character, immense and capricious. Spielberg employs sweeping shots of boundless water to give it an impression of being alive and menacing, mirroring the genuine terror evoked by the mysteries hidden within oceans.

In the story, the secluded nature of the characters on the sea, surrounded by nothing but water, echoes genuine marine perils. The ocean’s capacity to conceal threats like a shark and ensnare the characters lends each scene an air of suspense and authenticity.

2025-08-08 11:39