The Sharks in Jaws: Great Whites or Bull Sharks?

The iconic 1975 movie, Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg, has captivated audiences with its portrayal of a dangerous great white shark terrorizing a beach town. The suspense in the film largely stems from the constant fear and the unseen presence of this shark. However, an interesting question often arises: what type of shark was actually featured in the movie?

Types of Sharks in Jaws (1975)

There are two species of shark that are featured in the movie:

Tiger Shark: A species mentioned and even mistaken for the culprit by the characters, particularly the character Quint. The amusement shared by Quint and the audience reveals the comedic relief provided by this species. Great White Shark: This is the main threat portrayed by the mechanical shark known as "Bruce." Despite the name, these creatures primarily feature the Great White in the film.

Technical Challenges and Narrative Choices

Adding to the suspense of the movie, the actual great white shark in the film was rarely seen. This was primarily due to technical difficulties with the mechanical shark, known as "Bruce." The decision to minimize the on-screen appearance of the shark was an intentional choice to build anticipation and keep the audience guessing about the identity and movements of the feared creature.

Real-Life Inspiration and Confusion

While the movie Jaws prominently features the great white shark, the story on which the movie is based revolves around a different species. In reality, the incident that inspired Jaws was initially attributed to a bull shark, not a great white. This detail adds an interesting layer of confusion and historical context to the film, making it even more intriguing for fans and critics alike.

Great White Shark Details

The mechanical shark "Bruce" in the film was designed to be marginally smaller than the largest great white shark ever recorded. The actual great white shark, a magnificent creature, is the subject of numerous scientific studies and documentaries. One such creature, known as Deep Blue, holds the record as the largest great white shark ever documented, making it a formidable marine predator.

Conclusion

While the movie Jaws features a great white shark, the incident it was inspired by involved a bull shark. The use of a great white shark in the film adds to its dramatic and thrilling impact. The technical challenges faced in featuring the shark contributed to the movie's suspense, and the confusion over the shark's identity adds to its enduring appeal. Understanding the different species featured in Jaws provides a fascinating insight into the film and its inspiration.