Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story: Everything we know about the latest Jaws documentary on Hulu

A still from Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story (Image via YouTube/National Geographic)
A still from Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story (Image via YouTube/National Geographic)

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story is a new documentary on Hulu that details the experience of working on Steven Spielberg's 1975 film, which has endured the test of time.

The film became a massive affair upon its release in June 1975, earning over $477 million against its modest $9 million budget. At the time, this kind of success was unheard of. So, it established the concept of a summer blockbuster and paved the way for the modern Hollywood business model to this day.

While known as one of the most influential projects in American cinema, Jaws had a hard time getting made. Spielberg had been working in the television space for over a decade, but he had not established himself with films. Before Jaws, he had directed one feature film that received a theatrical release. So, he didn't have the kind of pull that he had in the following decades.

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story sheds light on the chaotic journey that led to the making of the movie. He faced many logistical issues during the production. There were times when the director thought he was about to get fired. However, five decades later, Hollywood icons like James Cameron, George Lucas, and more speak passionately about it.


What is Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story about? Details explored

A still from Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story (Image via YouTube/National Geographic)
A still from Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story (Image via YouTube/National Geographic)

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story is not the first documentary about the production of Jaws, but it is said to be the most definitive account of everything that went down while filming. Of course, it shows filmmakers like Jordan Peele and Steven Soderbergh, among others, sharing how deeply they love the film and how their careers were influenced by it. However, more importantly, it's an in-depth look into the messy and hectic production.

The documentary mainly shows Spielberg talking about the difficulties he faced at the time and how it shaped the horrors of the shark. His fans must have already heard of his struggles working with a mechanical shark, which led him to not show the monster for the most part. It is a part of the horror tradition where the absence of a monster builds the dread instead of its appearance. Jaws relies on other cinematic elements, like John Williams' score, to heighten the tension.

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Spielberg reveals previously unexplored details about the production. However, instead of focusing solely on the captain of the ship, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story also honors the people who worked with him behind the scenes. After all, as they say, it takes a village to make a film. So, the film is an emotional look into their commitment. At the same time, it is an insightful account based on archival footage and interviews with some people involved in the process.

The reviews note that Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story is a tightly packed documentary that rarely leaves a dull moment. It is inspirational and celebratory, as it shows people beating the odds to make their film.


Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story premiered on National Geographic before debuting on Hulu.

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Edited by Sroban Ghosh