Tension and Suspense the Novel and the Opening Scene of the Film Jaws
Peter Benchley wrote “Jaws” the novel before it was made into a filmdirected by Steven Spielberg. “Jaws” is a thriller with the main aimbeing to build up suspense and tension. In the novel Peter Benchleyuses many variations of language techniques to emphasise importantpoints that build up suspense. He also uses sentence and paragraphstructure to affect the reader in many different ways. StevenSpielberg on the other hand uses different camera angles and shotsalongside lighting effects to create atmosphere and tension. In thebackground he uses music and sound effects to add to the dramaticvisual images he creates. Finally Steven Spielberg uses specificdialogue to show the victims feelings and emotions.
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At the beginning of the film the soft, relaxing underwater noises ofcommunicating sharks instantly sets the scene and creates the feelingof being deep underwater. The familiar beach sounds have a calmingeffect, which immediately lulls the audience into a false sense ofsecurity. The black screen that appears at the start of the filmdoesn’t provide the audience with anything interesting to look at sothe focus is strongly on the soundtrack. When the opening creditsappear, the contrast between the bold, white credits and the plainblack screen really stands out. The white credits could symbolize theinnocence and vulnerability of the victims against the black, evilnessof the shark. As the credits start to roll the first note of thechilling “Jaws” music is struck. The peaceful aquatic sounds areabruptly interrupted by the slow, deliberate minor strokes …
… himand Chrissie really creates atmosphere. Every time the camera switchesto the boy the audience is reminded of how frantic the atmospherearound Chrissie is. The contrast of these two opposite atmospheresmakes the attack seem far worse in the film than in the novel.
I think that the film involves the audience more than the novelbecause the use of camera shots can bring the audience close to theaction. The shark’s eye view is a very good shot and ultimately bringsthe audience into the middle of all the panic and confusion. It alsobuild suspense as the audience can see exactly what the shark can seeand when the shark is advancing towards Chrissie’s legs they knowexactly what the shark is aiming for. When the attack is going on theclose-ups at water level make the audience feel like they’re in thewater.
