How Does the Director Create Tension and Suspense to the Film jaws?
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How does the director create tension and suspense to the film Jaws?
Steven Spielberg is a very famous director and well known for his high budget action films. The film that will scare anyone and live on for generations is the terrific Jaws, the first ever block bluster/horror in 1975.
Jaws have a very known and intelligent punch line, “Dont go into the water” is seen on the front cover of the DVD boxes and the posters for the film Jaws. It doesnt give too much away about the film as well as making the audience feel frightened.
The film is based around a 24 foot great white shark. It is a realistic science fiction horror which taps into the most primal of human fears. Its based around a small isolated island called Amity Island; The reason the island has this name is because its a place for holiday makers to relax, chill and enjoy the scorching sun. It is the place where this huge monster is threatening to devastate the island. Unluckily, its coming up to the July, one of the hottest months, which means that tourists will be flocking in and the beaches will be overpopulated by tourists wanting to take a relaxing bath in the sea. This is a perfect paradise for a blood drunk killer! It is the type of town where people want to enjoy the sun and forget about all their worries. Because the island is surrounded by water, it makes the audience feel that the people on the island are liked isolated animals. Another thing, that has a very important role in the film, is that their has not been a single crime for the past twenty-five years; This makes the island a safe and calm place where people dont have to worry about anything
Steven Spielberg, the creator of Jaws, uses many different techniques to draw in the suspense of viewers and to capture their imagination. These techniques include special effects to create tension, different camera angles to show facial expressions and group shots. The classic Jaws music, known by millions of people, also helps to build up tension, to let us know when the shark is approaching. He uses colours, so that we can associate signs and symbols to forthcoming events. (e.g. the colour yellow is being used a lot and symbolizes danger)
As soon as the film starts, from the title sequence, these techniques are being used. The non-diegetic music begins very quietly and slowly. The opening credits are written a sharp pointy writing, which is perhaps suggesting the teeth of the shark, and its capabilities. You understand that danger is on its way.
You only see a black screen, but in the background you hear the sound of the sea, which immediately links to