Jaws: Shark and Water Essay Example

depicted here can give an illusion of security and comfort to the onlooker, with teenagers gathered and enjoying each other's company around a warm, inviting bonfire as the dominant light source. Fire represents different ideas, but in this image, it signifies protection and eliminates darkness. The young individuals are shielded by the brightness of the flames, making them feel secure. However, once they move away from the fire's vicinity, their sense of safety may be compromised.

Despite its ability to provide warmth and comfort, fire often symbolizes evil, such as hell. Its use can also be interpreted as a warning of impending doom, making the viewer feel uneasy. In this scene, Spielberg utilizes a pan shot to suggest that there will be little action. As the camera follows Chrisy, a young girl who was previously flirting at the bonfire, she runs away to a remote section of the beach with a young man in pursuit. The lighting becomes darker here, but the gentle sound of waves continues to soothe the viewer.

As Chrisy races towards the water, she seems to be leaving the safety of the fire and giving in to temptation. This spontaneous act appears to be intentional. Simultaneously, the guy following Chrisy is also giving in to his temptations, which becomes a recurring theme in the story's later events. As they run, the tone changes drastically, and Chrissies initially humorous voice is replaced by a heavy atmosphere. The comforting orangey sunset is obscured by clouds, and the guy faints as Chrissie enters the water, further enhancing the feeling of isolation. Another intriguing detail is that as Chrissie removes her clothes while running, it's almost

as if she's deliberately exposing herself to potential danger and vulnerability.

As the viewer observes Chrissie alone in the water, they become aware of the possible dangers ahead. As she continues swimming, the POV shot, along with the same music from the opening sequence, alters the audience's thoughts from a cheerful beach party to the earlier shark reference, presenting an effective contrast. Chrissie sustains a sharp pain and begins splashing about in the water while being attacked, fulfilling the audience's expectations. The unidentified shark tosses her around before she grabs onto a buoy in an attempt to signal for help by ringing its bell.

Amidst a bustling crowd of holiday goers, a young girl takes her final gasp of air before succumbing to the water and leaving onlookers to grapple with the tragedy of her death. The beach setting is once again the backdrop for a violent encounter with the shark - this time claiming the life of a boy named Alex. Amongst the sunbathers and families enjoying their Independence Day holiday is police chief Brody, who also happens to be vacationing with his own family. Given the idyllic scene, it's improbable that such a horrific event would occur here.

Once again, the audience is tricked into feeling safe as normal activities are shown through jump cuts. People come and go from the water, while a radio plays in the background. However, this sense of security is quickly shattered when young Alex appears on screen and asks his mother if he can stay out on a raft for "just ten more minutes." This tempting moment is immediately followed by the attack, as his mother grants him

permission and he heads out into the water.

At first glance, the beach scene appears mundane to the onlookers. However, the camera switches to Brody, who sits anxiously on the sand while surveying the shoreline with suspicion. Meanwhile, a black dog, thrown a stick by a young boy, happily swims in the water. A bright yellow lilo carries Alex farther out from shore compared to other swimmers. Additionally, a plump woman floats leisurely on her back.

As Brody looks out at the water's horizon, passersby block his view, and the ongoing non-diegetic sound lowers the viewer's awareness. A few false alarms occur, effectively building the viewers' expectations, tension, and suspense. For instance, an elderly swimmer's greyish coloured bathing cap is mistakenly perceived as a shark fin as he swims up behind a floating woman. Meanwhile, a man kneels in front of Brody to discuss a problem, blocking his view. In a point of view shot, Brody cranes his eyes above the man's shoulder to maintain an unobstructed view.

The "uptight" Brody is tricked by a young girl's scream into thinking the shark is attacking, but it turns out to be her boyfriend lifting her on his shoulders. Sitting back in relief, Brody is questioned by an elderly man with a greyish bathing cap about his hesitation to get back in the water. Meanwhile, kids splash and scream in the foreground while Alex floats farther out. Suspense builds through quick cuts as the dog owner calls for his dog, only to see the stick floating on the water's surface.

By providing false alerts before, the audience assumes they know what's going on with the dog, making them expect

something different from what they're about to see. This makes the subsequent events more effective for an unsuspecting audience. Then, the audience sees Alex's legs kicking off the back of his raft, vulnerable under the water until a giant fin slices through. A strange shape surfaces beneath Alex's raft, grabbing him and flipping it over.

On the beach, someone observes a shocking event that causes a ripple of reaction. Alex's body is suddenly stained with blood, which trails into the water indicating a swift and unexpected death. The shark's killing method seems calculated to fit the surroundings. Alex screams before being pulled underwater, and his cries turn into gurgling sounds. Brody realizes the gravity of the situation, and his greatest fears come to life. He reacts to the distressing attack witnessed with shock, as the camera zooms in on his face in a rarely used shot that effectively emphasizes a sudden emotional change.

With a shout at the water's edge, he leaps from his spot on the beach: "Everyone evacuate!" Frightened parents rush into the water, hastily pulling their children to safety. The distressed mother of Alex repeatedly cries out for her son, echoing the earlier calls of the dog owner. The camera switches to the yellow lilo that floats onto shore, now torn apart in a large chunk. Despite the waves' serene motion rolling over the damaged lilo, it serves as an underwhelming turn of events, a stark reminder of the strength of the shark and the realities of the situation, evoking an even deeper emotional reaction.