‘Jaws’ Marks 50 Years Impacting Global Ocean Fear, Film Legacy

The 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" marks a significant milestone for the iconic film that not only redefined the summer blockbuster but also left a lasting impact on public perception of sharks. The film's underwater scenes, innovatively shot by Rexford Metz with custom-designed Panavision cameras, continue to captivate audiences and highlight the technical achievements behind the movie. Actor Jeffrey Kramer, who portrayed Deputy Leonard Hendricks, recalled the intense and realistic filming of a pivotal shark attack scene that set the terrifying tone of the movie and changed how many view the ocean. Despite the fear generated by "Jaws," experts like VIA Aquarium's Julie McNulty emphasize that sharks are not killers and play a critical role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, with conservation efforts growing since the film's release. This anniversary prompts reflection on the balance between popular culture's influence on wildlife fear and the importance of understanding sharks' ecological roles to foster respect rather than fear. NBC will air a retrospective on June 20, while Peacock streams all four "Jaws" films, commemorating the enduring legacy of the franchise.