Jaws’ most iconic jump scare proves why it’s still one of the greatest horror movies ever

Jaws is one of the most successful and popular blockbusters of all time, but one iconic scene cements Spielberg’s legendary creature feature as an out-and-out horror movie – despite its broad appeal and massive financial success. Categorizing the movie in the 49 years since its release hasn’t always been easy. Jaws‘ Incredible cultural, critical, and financial success stems from his clever blend of genres – from straightforward monster movie to buddy comedy. However, lurking beneath the surface of each scene is an undercurrent of horror – encapsulated by the movie’s biggest jump scare.

in many ways, Jaws eschews typical horror movie techniques. Instead of featuring dilly-lit set pieces and characters creeping round dark corridors, Some of the film’s most effective and terrifying moments take place in broad daylightWith the huge shark that struck from nowhere. The opaque surface of the ocean gives the movie all the cover it needs, creating moments of genuine menace even when the sun is shining. However, while this unorthodox approach helps the movie stand out, one particular scene is firmly rooted in the horror tradition.

The scene of the cut head of Jaws confirms it as a true horror film

This is the most traditional jump scare in the movie

Although Jaws‘ The greatest strength is the growing sense of dread as the shark ominously approaches unsuspecting victims, the scene of the film’s chopping head comes straight from a more stereotypical horror flick. The moment itself takes place relatively close to the beginning of the movie, when protagonists Hooper and Brady are struggling to find their enemy. During their accident investigation, They stumble upon Ben Gardner’s wreck boatprompting Hooper to jump into the water to take a closer look.

More than any other, this moment uses horror traditions to great effect. For starters, it’s set at night, with the boat’s lights illuminating everything with an eerie glow. The haunting score of John Williams reaches the expectation, while the inky blackness of the ocean only heightens the feeling that something monstrous is waiting just out of sight to devour its next victim. Just as the tension is pretty unbearable, the scene delivers its cow the grace, like Ben Gardner’s severed head (complete with missing eyeball) floats into view. It’s a simultaneously gruesome, amazing and exciting moment that stands alongside any number of iconic jump scares.

Why the head scene still works so well, 49 years later

It’s a masterclass in suspense

Like many great horror scenes, Jaws‘ Severed head moment juxtaposes an oppressive atmosphere against the uncertain knowledge that something unsettling lurks just out of mind. It also represents a masterclass in misdirection and subverted expectation. At this moment in history, viewers still did not have a glimpse of the shark. While Jaws Primarily, would have featured more sharks if the animatronics worked properly, Keeping the main villain out of sight keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. When Hooper enters the water, the expectation is that the shark will finally appear. What happens, however, is even worse.

Not only does the severed head act as an incredible double-bluff, but its unexpected arrival when audiences expect to see a giant killer shark underpins the terror that builds in the film’s first act. Introducing the shark at this point would have broken the spell. Instead, the movie leaves a gruesome and sinister reminder of what the animal is capable of – all while effectively employing the sort of gore one might expect from a slasher. If you don’t know what to expect, The severed head is a surprising reminder that Jaws is determined to wrong-foot the audience – Never let them settle.

Jaws is unconventional, but indisputably a horror film

It is a complex blend of multiple genres

Compared to many more straightforward horror movies, Jaws has several clear points of difference. There is nothing supernatural about its antagonist, and Moments of genuine terror are interspersed with scenes of island life and personal drama. It is also one of the rare movies where some of its scary scenes happen during the day – such as Alex Kintner’s death and the attack in the pond. However, despite his refusal to play by convention, Jaws remains one of the most effective horror movies ever made.

Like all great horror films, Jaws Draws her strength from exploiting an everyday fear. In this case, it is the understandable anxiety that many people have about what lurks out of sight under the waves, as well as the unnecessary power of nature. What makes the movie amazing is how it manages to make apparently innocent activities (such as a family trip to the beach) evil by puncturing their sanctity and safety. Just like other genre classics like The Exorcist And Alien, Jaws Explores the idea that there are horrifying forces beyond our control and understanding. Moments like the severed head scene only serve to reinforce the broader sense of terror.