Jaws Clothing, Accessories & Figures

The central idea of the "Jaws" franchise revolves around humanity's primal fear of the unknown and the untamed power of nature, embodied by a gigantic, relentless Great White shark. It also explores the clash between human greed/indifference and its catastrophic consequences, especially when financial interests override human safety.

This central idea evolves across the various media as follows:

• In Peter Benchley's novel ("Jaws", 1974): The book is darker and more cynical than the film. It focuses more on the human corruption and moral compromises of the Amity Island mayor and businessmen, who decide to keep the beaches open despite the danger, for the sake of tourism. The shark is a blind, instinctive force, while the characters are more complex and flawed (e.g., Brody has marital problems). The book highlights the failure of human reason against uncontrolled nature.
• In Steven Spielberg's film "Jaws" (1975): The film retains the core shark threat but emphasizes the thriller and survival adventure elements more. Spielberg tempers the book's cynicism, making the characters more sympathetic and heroic (especially the mayor). The focus is on tension, suspense, and the harrowing search and elimination of the creature, turning the shark into an almost metaphysical, unstoppable killer. The film is a story about how a small group of men confronts an unnatural evil.
• In the Film Sequels ("Jaws 2", "Jaws 3-D", "Jaws: The Revenge"): The sequels deviate significantly from the original central idea and quality. The shark increasingly becomes a personal revenge motive against the Brody family (especially in "Jaws: The Revenge" where the shark seems to be actively pursuing Ellen Brody across the globe). The emphasis shifts from the fear of the unknown to over-the-top, outlandish action and the shark's illogical behavior, losing the primal, psychological element of fear that characterized the first film.
• In Video Games and other media: Games and other spin-offs usually focus on the action and survival element, allowing players to hunt or play as the shark, transforming the original suspense into a more playful, action-oriented environment.

Overall, while the shark threat remains constant, the narrative's focus shifts from human nature and nature's uncontrolled violence (book/first film) to pure action and personal revenge (sequels), gradually losing the depth and original impact.

The "Jaws" films feature a small but iconic cast of characters, especially in the first film, who have become cinematic legends. The main characters and the actors who portray them include:

• Police Chief Martin Brody: The central protagonist, a police chief with aquaphobia who recently moved from New York City to Amity Island. He is the voice of reason trying to protect the residents but is constantly undermined by the island's political and economic figures.
• Portrayed by Roy Scheider (Jaws, Jaws 2).
• Matt Hooper: A wealthy, young oceanographer and shark expert who is recruited to help deal with the Great White. His scientific approach contrasts with Quint's practical experience.
• Portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws).
• Quint: A tough, eccentric, and experienced shark hunter who lives solely for the hunt. His bitterness and chilling stories (particularly the Indianapolis story) make him an unforgettable character.
• Portrayed by Robert Shaw (Jaws).
• Ellen Brody: Martin Brody's wife, who tries to support her husband and manage the fear for their children's safety. Her role expands in the sequels.
• Portrayed by Lorraine Gary (Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws: The Revenge).
• Mayor Larry Vaughan: The corrupt or at least short-sighted mayor of Amity Island, who refuses to close the beaches despite the dangers, fearing the economic consequences for the town.
• Portrayed by Murray Hamilton (Jaws, Jaws 2).
• Michael Brody: One of the Brody family's two sons. His role becomes more central in the sequels as he also faces sharks.
• Portrayed by Chris Rebello (Jaws), Mark Gruner (Jaws 2), and Dennis Quaid (Jaws 3-D).

The "Jaws" film series consists of four main movies. Here is their chronological release order:

• Jaws (1975): The original and most famous film, directed by Steven Spielberg, based on Peter Benchley's novel.
• Jaws 2 (1978): The first sequel, with Roy Scheider returning as Chief Brody.
• Jaws 3-D (1983): The third film, known for its 3D format and setting in a marine park.
• Jaws: The Revenge (1987): The fourth and final film in the series, with Lorraine Gary returning as Ellen Brody.