Jaws : Opening Scene

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Sample Essay on The Opening Scene of ‘Jaws’ (968 words) "It's only an island if you look at it from the water." Jaws (1975) directed by Steven Spielberg is a film in which the opening scene effectively establishes, through skilful use of techniques such as music, lighting and concealment, several of the film’s key features such as its island setting and ominous mood/atmosphere. The film is set on the small tourist island of Amity, New England. The resort depends on tourists for its survival and is looking forward to a busy summer season. However just before the 4th of July weekend (the busiest week of the year), a great white shark begins a series of random attacks on those who venture out onto and into the water. One of the techniques used in the opening scene to create the film’s ominous atmosphere is the contrasting use of music and diegetic sound. The film immediately unsettles the viewer by opening on a completely black screen, the audience hearing nothing except the sound effects of marine life. The credits then open onto an underwater scene shot from the shark’s point of view. (This informs the viewer that water/sea will play a key role in the film.) As the shark swims through the seaweed, menacing music begins to play in the background. The music uses simple, dramatic chords in E and F to add suspense and tension to the scene. (Resembling the heartbeat of the shark, it will be used throughout the film to indicate the presence of the shark and signal an impending attack.) As the scene moves onland, a tracking shot introduces the viewer to one of the film’s key settings – the beach – and to a group of teenagers enjoying a night of drinking around a campfire. The ominous music has gone, leaving only the sounds of laughter, a guitar playing, and the sound of the waves touching the shore. The sudden change to diegetic sound shows that

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