Analyse the way Spielberg uses the camera to create meaning in the film

‘Jaws’

Establishing shotThis shot shows the busy atmosphere of the beach and, as we know of

the shark, we are tense because we see the potential danger of the tourists swimming in the sea.

Tracking shotAllows the discreet but purposeful view of the empty lifeguard watch

posts, again highlighting the danger on the beach.

Close upHelps to show the juxtaposition of the situation. The sheriff in the

foreground of the shot is dressed in more clothing than everyone else and what he is wearing is dark – which has ominous connotations. He

is also sat with a concerned and worried expression, contrary to that of the background, where tourists look relaxed and happy; suggesting

that he knows something others do not and that his mood is the appropriate one for the situation not that of the oblivious others.

Wide shotThe person in the sea is placed in the middle of the wide shot which emphasises the vulnerability of the person; the rule of three is also

used to establish the vast sea in comparison to everything else. However, in this shot we do see the contrast from a hectic beach to a

tranquil water and so are made to feel relaxed at this time.

Wide shotStarts to build the tension again as the equilibrium is broken, sharks are attracted to noise and smell and so once again there is danger

present for us to worry about.

Vertical wipeSpielberg uses a natural vertical wipe to cut from a wide shot to a

close up, this helps to emphasise the concern visible on the sheriff's face. It has the same affect as a zoom while keeping discretion and

simplicity through the use of people movement instead of a direct cut.

Over the shoulder shotShows that the sheriff's attention is not on the conversation which is in

close up, but instead the woman in the sea, who is about to cause a false scare – this all helps to build tension upon the danger.

Wide shotAllows the viewer to see the action occurring behind the conversation; in the foreground is the sheriff and in the background we see a group of children get up to go to the sea, this means we start to get anxious

as we see the vulnerability of the event.

Over the shoulder shotAllows the viewer to see the action occurring behind the conversation; in the foreground is the elderly man and in the background we see a group of children in the sea, this shows that the sheriff himself is not

paying attention to what is being said but instead on what is happening in the background – this emphasises the danger that is

forthcoming.

Wide shotTo show the lone bark which the dog was playing with previously, the owner now cannot find his dog and this leaves the idea as to how his

disappearance has occurred, and that the shark is in fact nearby.

Moving shotFrom the point of view of the shark, as he approaches the child on the lilo – the famous jaws theme tune is now playing so the audience are truly at their most suspenseful point, waiting for the focal event to

occur.

Contra zoomThis technique is used to show the realisation for the sheriff, that he

has not been able to prevent the attack – the shark is in the water and he needs to try and save the children.

Close upEmphasises the distress on the face of the mother; close ups help to

show detail and highlight importance – in this case the emotion portrayed is what the audience are being shown to focus on and take

in as their own emotional viewpoint, as the focal event comes to a close.

Medium shotTo show the deflated lilo, this has connotations of the child’s death and

shows the audience clearly what has occurred without the need to highlight the direct action.