Sharks face unfair reputation
Various derogatory terms such as "sawtooth," "man-eater," "sea monster," or "killing machine" have been used to describe sharks. This reputation has been largely maintained by Jaws, the famous horror film directed by Steven Spielberg.Spielberg regrets the impact of his film
The filmmaker himself became aware of this and spent decades trying to repair the image of this marine animal that he, despite himself, contributed to shaping. Steven Spielberg, in an interview with BBC Radio 4 in 2022, did not seek to minimize his responsibility in the bad reputation that sharks have suffered since the release of his film.The legacy of Jaws
For reference, this classic film, rated 4 out of 5 by Allociné viewers and awarded Oscars, is adapted from the eponymous book by Peter Benchley published in 1974, two years before the film. For fifty years, Spielberg has had a fear: "Not of being eaten by a shark, but that sharks somehow hold a grudge against me for the sport fishing frenzy that followed 1975."Impact on shark populations
Indeed, after the release of the book and the film, fishermen began to track the animal for the pleasure of capturing and killing these predators, imitating in particular the character of Quint, played on screen by Robert Shaw. The organization Shark Stewards, which works to protect sharks and their marine habitat, also highlights the consequences of the film on the perception of these animals.Benchley's efforts to redeem himself
According to them, Jaws has largely contributed to changing attitudes, but in the wrong direction: "The general attitude toward sharks has shifted from indifference and poor fishery management to pure contempt." The writer himself also tried to redeem himself. Peter Benchley, who is also a co-screenwriter of the film, also regretted the consequences of his book.Benchley's change in perspective
He devoted part of his life to rehabilitating the image of these marine animals that he had contributed to demonizing: "Sharks do not attack humans and are certainly not vengeful," he explained. The writer went even further, admitting: "With hindsight, I could never have written this book today." A realization that led him to radically change his view of this declining species.Unreleased sequels to Jaws
Becoming a fervent defender of their protection, Benchley then devoted part of his life to raising public awareness of their essential role in the balance of marine ecosystems. For reference, Jaws benefited from three unreleased sequels by Spielberg. The first is directed by Jeannot Szwarc (1983), the second by Joe Alves (1983), and finally the third is directed by Joseph Sargent (1987).
