Remembering 'Jaws': FSU's Rexford Metz and the Shark That Shook Summer

Tallahassee, USA - „Jaws“ has left an indelible mark on cinema, and as we celebrate its 50th anniversary, the echoes of its summer scares still resonate. Released on June 20, 1975, the film not only became a defining moment in Hollywood but also transformed summer vacations forever. Directed by the then-unknown Steven Spielberg, „Jaws“ blended thriller, horror, and action to create a masterful piece of commercial entertainment that frightened beachgoers and ushered in the summer blockbuster era. WCTV highlights how the film features a great white shark, affectionately named Bruce, which instilled fear in the hearts of audiences and prompted a notable drop in beach attendance across the U.S., alongside an uptick in shark sightings reported to the police.

What’s particularly interesting is the legacy of Rexford Metz, a former instructor at Florida State University who worked on „Jaws.“ Metz was instrumental in crafting the underwater scenes, including a memorable moment featuring Richard Dreyfuss exploring a sunken fishing boat. His son, Johnathan Metz, fondly remembers him as the „King of the Second Unit.“ In 2004, Rexford moved to Tallahassee to teach at FSU, sharing his invaluable experiences with budding filmmakers until his passing in January at the age of 88. Johnathan emphasized his father’s inventive collaboration with Panavision, which designed specialized underwater camera equipment for the film.

The Blockbuster Birth and Its Ripples

With a budget of $9 million and a worldwide gross of approximately $470 million, „Jaws“ fundamentally shifted Hollywood’s landscape. It was the first film to gross over $100 million at the U.S. box office, a feat that transformed how films were released and marketed. Gone were the limited screenings; in its groundbreaking strategy, „Jaws“ opened in 409 theaters simultaneously, setting a new standard. Cinephilia Beyond notes that producers Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown had acquired the rights to Peter Benchley’s novel for $175,000 even before it hit the shelves. Initial skepticism about Spielberg’s youthful inexperience turned into celebration as the film became a top-grossing sensation, even garnering four Academy Award nominations and winning three.

Of course, the production was not without challenges. Filming on location in the ocean brought significant difficulties, including the mechanical failures of the much-anticipated shark models. Yet, Spielberg’s decision to go for a more naturalistic style lent the film its authenticity, drawing viewers into the terror of a small beach town plagued by a predatory shark. The film’s score, composed by John Williams, became one of the most recognizable soundtracks in cinema, further cementing the film’s extraordinary status.

A Cultural Phenomenon

The influence of „Jaws“ extends beyond the box office. Charles Acland, a communications studies professor, explains that the film changed public perception of sharks, creating fears that led to increased shark hunting and complicating conservation efforts. Interestingly, Benchley later expressed regret about the movie’s impact, realizing its role in inflating fears despite the rarity of shark attacks — in 2022, there were only 47 unprovoked shark bites reported globally, with just four fatalities. CBC emphasizes that the film not only spawned a myriad of sequels and inspired other shark attack films but also signaled to Hollywood that summer releases could be both action-packed and lucrative.

As we toll the bell on 50 years of „Jaws,“ it’s clear that this film has shaped the summer blockbuster model and left a lasting impression on the horror and thriller genres. Its ability to influence popular culture, coupled with the legacy of innovators like Rexford Metz, continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. There’s something to be said for that kind of cinematic achievement—something that echoes through the waves of our collective memory.