The thriller film “Jaws,” released in 1975, changed how people viewed the ocean forever, becoming the inspiration for many shark horror films. The Great White scenes were terrifying (shot with three animatronic sharks), and the film was an undeniable hit. But the man responsible for it all was Steven Spielberg!
Steven Spielberg Reflects on the Stress of Working on âJawsâ
Spielberg has become an icon in the film industry. It was his work on “Jaws,” an adaptation of Peter Benchleyâs bestselling novel, that helped him to launch his career. On Friday, June 20, the film celebrated its 50th anniversary, and although it continues to be celebrated in pop culture, working on âJawsâ took an immense toll on Spielbergâs mental health.
Spielberg discussed his feelings surrounding the filming of âJawsâ in an upcoming NatGeo documentary, âJaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story.â In it, he detailed how he had a panic attack after filming finally ended, days after it was scheduled to. “When the film wrapped Martha’s Vineyard, I had a full-blown panic attack,” Spielberg said, People reports. “I was in it, shall I say, over my head, for about seven or eight months on Martha’s Vineyard. It was, logistically, I think the most difficult movie I think I’ll ever make.”
He continued, “I couldn’t breathe; I thought I was having a heart attack. I couldn’t get a full breath of air, I kept going to the bathroom and splashing water on my face. I was shaking. And I was out of it â I was completely out of it.”
âJawsâ Had Issues With Production but Became a Huge Success
It is well-known that âJawsâ encountered problems during filming, including an increased budget, delays, and issues with the animatronic great whites. Spielberg felt responsible for this, and it was unclear whether he would be fired from the film if he did not deliver, Variety reports. He was also new to directing, having only worked on one other theatrical feature. The success, or failure, of âJawsâ could have made or broken his career. Thankfully, it was the former.
When âJawsâ hit the cinemas, it was a huge success, but even after the film was nominated for three Oscars, Spielberg recalls he was still stressed. “I didn’t stop me waking up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, where the sheets would be soaking wet,” he said in the documentary, People reports. “We didn’t have the words PTSD in those days, and I had consistent nightmares about directing ‘Jaws’ for years afterwards.”
However, Spielberg later acknowledged how the film was a âlife-altering experience.â He added that he hoped everyone who played a part in the creation of the film âwore that experience proudly, like a badge of honor.” He continued, “And were able to go through life in the glory of the success that Jaws became. To be able to say, each individually, ‘Hey â I helped make that movie. I helped tell that story. I share in its success.’” In the end, was it all worth it?!
The post Steven Spielberg Reflects On Nerves Over Iconic Film ‘Jaws’ On 50th Anniversary appeared first on EntertainmentNow.