The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic film "Jaws" with a dedicated exhibit that opens this Sunday and runs through July. The exhibition features over 200 pieces related to the film, marking the first time the museum has hosted an exhibit solely focused on a single film since its opening in 2021.
Director Steven Spielberg reflected on his experience making "Jaws" during a media preview of the exhibit. He expressed surprise at how props like a buoy from the film have been preserved for decades. The exhibit is organized to guide visitors through the film's narrative, featuring artifacts from nearly every scene, including the only surviving full-scale mechanical shark, affectionately named "Bruce."
The museum's director, Amy Homma, emphasized the significance of "Jaws" to the institution, noting that Bruce has become an unofficial mascot for the museum. The exhibit also includes interactive elements, such as a setup allowing visitors to recreate famous shots from the film and a keyboard for playing John Williams’ iconic score.
Among the notable items on display are a dorsal fin prop and a real great white shark jaw used as a reference by the filmmakers. Spielberg highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stating that the production faced numerous obstacles, including harsh weather and equipment failures, which contributed to the film's extended shooting schedule.
Despite the challenges, Spielberg acknowledged that the experience ultimately bolstered his career, showcasing the resilience and teamwork inherent in the film industry. The museum plans a broader retrospective of Spielberg's work in 2028, further solidifying the legacy of "Jaws" within cinematic history.