The film that started it all, Jaws, has been a topic of discussion for decades. The story behind its creation is just as fascinating as the movie itself. Valerie, 89, from Sydney, Australia, shares her experiences of working with the shark in the film.
“I’ve never been afraid of them, even though I’ve been bitten four times. I’m only afraid of heights!”
Valerie, a spearfisher and shark enthusiast, met her husband Ron in the 20s while joining a spearfishing club in Sydney. Together, they started specialising in sharks, and their unique skills caught the attention of Movietone News. They began filming sharks for the newsreel, and their work caught the attention of the media.
- In 1969, Valerie and Ron were commissioned to play themselves in the film Blue Water, White Death.
- The following year, they were approached by movie producers Richard Zanuck and David Brown to make a movie out of Peter Benchley’s book Jaws.
The film was a massive success, and the couple found themselves in Hollywood, working with top directors and actors. However, the production was not without its challenges.
| Trips to South Australia | Duration | Shark Size |
| First trip | 1 week | Average 12-14 feet |
| Second trip | 1 week | 24 feet |
The shark footage was filmed in South Australia, off Dangerous Reef. The footage showed three great whites swimming around, and they were good performers, lifting their heads out of the water and rolling around in front of the camera. However, the shark they wanted to use in the film was 24 feet long, and they had to use a half-sized shark-proof cage, a half-sized boat, and a “half-sized” stuntman to make it look bigger. Carl Rizzo, the reluctant stuntman
Carl Rizzo, an ex-jockey, was chosen to play the role of Matt Hooper in the film. However, he was reluctant to get in the water, and his reluctance saved his life. The scene where the shark breaks the cage was written into the film, and it was better than anything they had in the script. The impact of the film
Jaws was a massive success, but it also had a negative impact on the public’s perception of sharks. Valerie and Ron tried to tell people that sharks don’t behave like that in real life. They did every talk show, trying to educate the public about sharks.
A shark is not a mindless killer, but a wild animal that should be respected.
The film jaws demonised sharks, making them out to be monsters that attack humans without reason.
The film Jaws was a classic example of a Hollywood blockbuster, but it also showed the power of film to shape public opinion.
The film Jaws was a major success, but it also had a negative impact on the public’s perception of sharks.
The film Jaws was a classic example of a Hollywood blockbuster, but it also showed the power of film to shape public opinion. The film’s success was not just limited to its box office performance. It also led to a surge in shark-themed merchandise, and it became a cultural phenomenon. A Jawsome Journey
Valerie and Ron’s experience working on Jaws was a unique one. They were surprised by the praise and adulation they received from the public. They occasionally sign posters sent from overseas, which blows their mind. The Legacy of Jaws
Jaws is still a beloved film today, and it continues to be a topic of discussion and debate. The story behind its creation is just as fascinating as the movie itself. Valerie’s experiences working on Jaws provide a unique insight into the film industry and the power of film to shape public opinion. Conclusion
The story of Jaws is a complex one, full of twists and turns. Valerie’s experiences working on the film provide a unique insight into the film industry and the power of film to shape public opinion. The film’s impact on the public’s perception of sharks is still debated today, and it serves as a reminder of the power of film to shape our perceptions of the world around us.
