Jaws Build Once Human

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

05-01-2025

1

0

Share

The iconic Jaws—the mechanical shark that terrorized audiences in Steven Spielberg's 1975 masterpiece—wasn't a single, flawlessly functioning machine. Its troubled production is almost as legendary as the film itself. The initial attempts to create a believable great white shark were plagued with technical difficulties, ultimately leading to the creation of multiple versions, each with its own set of problems.

The Mechanical Monsters

The primary shark, affectionately nicknamed "Bruce," was designed by Bob Mattey and his team. It was a marvel of engineering for its time, utilizing a complex system of hydraulics and pneumatic controls to create movement. However, from the outset, Bruce proved incredibly problematic. Leaks constantly plagued the machine, rendering it unreliable and frequently unusable. The effects team struggled to get Bruce to perform even the most basic actions consistently, much less the terrifying sequences planned for the film.

A Trilogy of Troubles

Three different Bruce models were constructed, each attempting to address the flaws of its predecessor. The consistent mechanical failures frequently forced Spielberg and his team to rely on other techniques, such as using a smaller model shark, employing strategically placed objects to suggest a shark's presence, or cutting away from the shark altogether. This creative improvisation, ironically, became a key component in the film's suspense.

Beyond Bruce: A Symphony of Shark Substitutes

The limitations of Bruce's mechanical capabilities resulted in a unique visual approach to the shark. Spielberg cleverly used creative editing and camera angles to heighten the suspense, building the tension through anticipation and suggestion rather than constant, clear sightings of the beast. This unconventional approach added to the film's lasting impact. A combination of models, miniatures, clever editing, and even a simple rubber fin became integral to the final product. The audience's imagination became a powerful tool in Spielberg's hands, perhaps even more powerful than a perfectly functioning mechanical shark.

The Legacy of a Flawed Machine

Despite, or perhaps because of, its mechanical flaws, Bruce the shark remains an iconic cinematic character. Its failures became a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the filmmakers. The challenges faced in creating the shark are a vital part of the film's legacy, demonstrating how limitations can lead to creative solutions and ultimately contribute to a timeless piece of cinematic history. The struggle to build a believable great white was a critical element in the making of Jaws, a film that continues to inspire and entertain generations of viewers.