Wesley Fenlon | Not with a bang but a whimper.

From the moment John Williams’ iconic score strikes its first ominous chord, no one would ever think of water in the same way again. The spectacular success of “Jaws” extends beyond the silver screen in a way few films can boast to match — not only did it launch the concept of the summer blockbuster, it penetrated the public conscience so completely that beach attendance in the summer of 1975 took a noticeable hit.

John Williams’ inventive use of minimalism, which was an integral part of the movie’s success, gave birth to a new style of suspense music that quickly became synonymous with impending doom. The same concept of minimalism pervades the entire production, making the shark’s appearance on-screen all the more terrifying when it finally happens.

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