My Endless Love for the Classic Film JAWS: A Personal Journey

JAWS is not just a film that I have watched multiple times—I’ve seen it over 500 times, maybe even 600. This analysis explores why I find this movie so captivating and how it has become an integral part of my life.

Repetitive Viewing: An Unusual Obsession

Let’s start with a snapshot of my film-watching habits. Unlike many who might have a slew of movies they’ve seen ten or even fifty times, my love for JAWS stands out. In addition to JAWS, I have also devoured Star Wars 50 times and Aliens five times.

A Special Place in My Heart: The Romantic Time Travel Drama

Another unique movie in my collection is Somewhere in Time, directed by Jane Spielberg (Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour). I not only watched it twice but also invited friends over to watch it twice. This process repeated itself three times, making a total of six viewings. The film’s romantic journey and romantic time travel elements captivated me so much that I even visited Mackinaw Island, the location where many scenes were filmed, in an attempt to connect with the movie’s essence.

The Unmatched Bond with JAWS

While numerous films hold a special place in my heart, none can compare to my affection for JAWS. I can confidently say that it’s a movie I’ve seen far more times than The Godfather, the films that come close being The Shawshank Redemption and The Usual Suspects.

Why JAWS Resonates: Nostalgia and Fear

The journey began in my childhood, a special episode that will forever be etched in my memory. My parents took my brother and me to see the film at the Sunnyside Drive-In in Fresno. Despite being terrified, we loved it. That thrilling, terrifying sensation of fear and reassurance that it would all be over in a few hours has left an indelible mark on my heart. JAWS has been my childhood companion since then, and its influence extends beyond just being a film.

The Film’s Enduring Charm

The movie is not only iconic but incredibly quotable. Its dialogue resonates with a generation and continues to be referenced in popular culture. Here are some of the standout lines from JAWS:

Ellen Brody: "Martin hates boats. Martin hates water. Martin... Martin sits in his car when we go on the ferry to the mainland. I guess it’s a childhood thing. It’s a... there’s a clinical name for it, isn’t there..." — Brody: "Drowning." Quint: "Here lies the body of Mary Lee, died at the age of a hundred and three. For fifteen years, she kept her virginity not a bad record for this vicinity." Brody: "It doesn’t make any sense when you pay a guy like you to watch sharks." — Hooper: "Well, uh, it doesn’t make much sense for a guy who hates the water to live on an island either." — Brody: "It is only an island if you look at it from the water." — Hooper: "That makes a lot of sense." “You’re gonna need a bigger boat!”

Conclusion

My endless love for JAWS transcends mere repetition. It is a vivid reminder of childhood nostalgia, family bonding, and the enduring power of film to create lasting memories. Whether I see it on a rerun or by design, JAWS remains a cherished part of my life. Its quotable lines and captivating story continue to hold a special place in my heart, celebrating the timeless magic of cinema that transcends time and brings joy to my heart every time it plays on the screen.