Shark Week Season 2012 Episode 5 How Jaws Changed The World

How Jaws Changed The World is the fifth episode of the 2012 season of Shark Week. This episode takes a look at the cultural impact that Steven Spielberg's film Jaws has had on society since its release in 1975.

The episode starts off by exploring how the movie was made. It's revealed that the production of Jaws was plagued with numerous issues, from malfunctioning mechanical sharks to a script that wasn't finalized until shooting had already begun. Despite these obstacles, Spielberg managed to create one of the most iconic films of all time.

After examining the making of the film, the episode delves into the impact it had on society. Jaws sparked a craze for all things shark-related. This was evident in the surge of shark-related merchandise, ranging from t-shirts and posters to toys and games. The most common symbol of this craze was the inflatable shark fin, which became a staple in swimming pools across America.

Jaws also had an impact on the way people perceived sharks. Prior to the film's release, sharks were seen as somewhat benign creatures that were largely ignored by the general public. Jaws changed all of that. Suddenly, sharks were seen as terrifying predators, capable of attacking humans at any moment. In reality, shark attacks are extremely rare, but the movie's portrayal of sharks has led to countless misconceptions about these animals.

The episode also explores the economic impact of Jaws. One of the most significant impacts was on the beach tourism industry. Many people were too scared to go swimming in the ocean after seeing the film, leading to a downturn in beach tourism. However, this didn't last for long. In the years following Jaws, beaches and resorts began to market themselves as "shark-free" destinations, capitalizing on people's fears and reassuring them that it was safe to go back in the water.

Another significant impact was on the film industry itself. Jaws was one of the first films to utilize a wide release strategy, meaning that it was simultaneously released in theaters across the country. This strategy had never been used before and was a huge success. Today, wide releases are standard practice for major blockbuster films.

The episode also delves into the behind-the-scenes politics that surrounded the making of Jaws. Spielberg and the film's producers initially wanted to film the movie on location in Australia, but the government there wouldn't allow it. Instead, they had to build a giant tank in California to film the shark scenes. The tank ended up costing over a million dollars, but was essential to the success of the film.

Overall, How Jaws Changed The World takes a fascinating look at the impact that a single film can have on society. From changing people's perceptions of sharks to spurring a craze for all things shark-related, Jaws had a lasting impact on popular culture. Through interviews with filmmakers, journalists, and experts, this episode sheds new light on a classic movie and its legacy. Whether you're a fan of Jaws or just interested in the way that films can shape society, this episode is an engaging and informative look at one of the most influential movies of all time.