Entering our hellish hall of fame today as one of the scariest horror movies ever is Jaws (1975), Steven Spielberg's suspenseful, sea fairing homage to Moby Dick.
Jaws (1975) significantly helped cement the age of blockbuster cinema. But thanks to John William's menacing music motif invoking dreaded decibels of suspense, a well-crafted script compellingly conveyed through charismatic performances, and razor-sharp scares that leave a lasting bite, it remains a frightening monolith of modern horror.
Taking cues from Alfred Hitchock's infamous Psycho shower scene, Steven Spielberg instills a sinister undercurrent of dread through John William's malevolent musical score. In essence, it's a sweeping symphony or terror that slowly and ominously stalks its prey, leading instinctively to the megalodon's ferally ferocious bite.
But Jaws is also anchored by deeply compelling performances - the tour de force trifecta of Roy Sneider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss helping to steady the film and cast through choppy waters.
Want to feast on more classic horror movies and the scariest horror movies ever? Why not dissect our Vampyr (1932) review.
For instance, Robert Shaw's iconic Indianapolis speech - delivered with equal part fiery intensity and fearful apprehension - evokes a shiver-worthy silence and secretes all successive scenes in bone-chilling suspense, setting the fear factor to chillingly uncharted depths.
Elsewhere, Jaws (1975) is flooded with memorable movie moments, recitable monologues, and iconic character quotes that shall be forever cherished throughout the world of cinema. "We're gonna need a bigger boat," being one of them.
Yet, as a movie experience, it's a film drenched in dreaded suspense. Sure, the shark's pratical effects and monstrous sense of scale are, for the most part, painstakingly impressive. Especially the dynamically predatory way in which it navigates through the water with streamlined realism.
And yet, most of the scares derive from frightful anticipation of the deadly strike - when Jaws is moving in malevolently for the kill, backed by the jagged, razor-toothed notes of William's chilling orchestral score.
An essential watch for horror fans and movie-goers in general, Jaws (1975) set the benchmark for blockbuster experiences and remains one of the cinemas' most thrilling endeavors.
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