{"product_id":"jaws-9781839023637","title":"Jaws","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis study of \u003ci\u003eJaws \u003c\/i\u003e(1975) examines how Steven Spielberg's breakout film not only redefined the thriller but also pioneered the summer blockbuster, cementing his reputation as a master filmmaker. \u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAgainst the odds of a catastrophic location shoot, 27-year-old Spielberg delivered a film so effective that it became the highest-grossing movie of its time, transforming Hollywood's approach to event cinema. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAdapted from Peter Benchley's best-selling novel, and Steven Spielberg's second feature, \u003ci\u003eJaws \u003c\/i\u003ebecame a cultural phenomenon, its story of a great white shark terrorising a New England beach town striking a primal chord with audiences. Under extreme pressure on a catastrophic location shoot, Universal's 27 year-old prodigy crafted a thriller so effective that for some time \u003ci\u003eJaws \u003c\/i\u003ewas the highest-grossing film of all time. It was also instrumental in establishing the concepts of the event movie and the summer blockbuster. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eJaws\u003c\/i\u003e exerts an extraordinary power over audiences. Apparently simplistic and manipulative, it is a film that divided critics into two broad camps: those who dismissed it as infantile and sensational - and those who saw the shark as freighted with complex political and psychosexual meanings. Antonia Quirke, in an impressionistic response, argues that both interpretations obscure the film's success simply as a work of art. In \u003ci\u003eJaws, \u003c\/i\u003eSpielberg's ability to blend genres combined with his precocious technical skill to create a genuine masterpiece, which is underrated by many, including its director. Indeed, Quirke argues, it may be his finest work. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn her foreword to this new edition, Antonia Quirke looks back on \u003ci\u003eJaws\u003c\/i\u003e, its compelling power and its contemporary resonances fifty years after its release.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAntonia Quirke\u003c\/b\u003e is a writer and critic. She has reviewed films for the \u003ci\u003eIndependent on Sunday\u003c\/i\u003e, the \u003ci\u003eEvening Standard\u003c\/i\u003e, and GMTV, and is the author of a memoir of life as a star-crazed movie fan, \u003ci\u003eMadame Depardieu and the Beautiful Strangers\u003c\/i\u003e (2007). She is a regular presenter on BBC Radio 4's \u003ci\u003eThe Film Programme\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003ePick of the Week\u003c\/i\u003e and BBC\u003cbr\u003eOne's\u003ci\u003e The Film Show\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe One Show\u003c\/i\u003e. She writes a weekly column on radio for the \u003ci\u003eNew Statesman\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"British Film Institute","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51424429048082,"sku":"9781839023637","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_924292d3-30e1-4286-96f7-087875cc7d5c.jpg?v=1751376731","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/jaws-9781839023637","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}