'Jaws' Opening Sequence Analysis

Jaws (1975) Dir. Steven Spielberg (Universal)

We begin by seeing institutional information for this film. It is shortly followed by the use of a tracking shot across the seabed with the accompaniment of dramatic music. This music also helps to convey the genre of the film by creating a tense and apprehensive mood portraying the conventions of a thriller. This contrasts to the calm and cheerful mood on the beach. The continued use of tracking shots also flow from the last shots of the seabed as they are all moving in the same direction. The use of the colours blue and green juxtaposes to the orange of the fire on the beach which shows the contrast of the two settings.  There is also a contrast between the colours of the fire and then the dark silhouettes as the characters run along the sand dunes. Due to the dimly lit setting the audience can tell it is late at night or early in the morning. The use of dialogue shows the audience that the characters are drunk which could be an important detail in the future. There is also no music during this part of the sequence which is also very effective as it makes the audience on edge. There are multiple long shots to establish the setting followed by close ups of the characters, which is very effective to show both location and a reaction. The use of the almost silence on the shots of the sea contrast to the shouting from the male character on the beach. This creates a sense of tranquillity out at sea. There is also a dramatic change when the female character begins to scream as she is being attacked. This also then juxtaposes the silence of the beach shots. When the female character is dragged underwater and there is silence the audience know that she is dead. The use of the sound of the bell at the end is very effective as it contrasts to the previous screams. There is very little dialogue in this opening sequence which I found very powerful because there was still a lot the audience did not know which allowed for the sense of enigma to work. I also liked the use of juxtaposition throughout the sequence to make both shots seem more extreme. Overall I thought this was a very successful opening sequence as it had titles, characters, music, enigma and also portrayed the genre successfully.