Celebrating 50 Years of Jaws: A Screenwriting Masterclass

By Thomas Fenton

Today, June 20th, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Jaws. To celebrate, I want to share my thoughts on its screenplay and why it remains a benchmark in film history.

Let’s be blunt: Jaws isn’t just a masterpiece—it’s the blueprint for screenwriting. If you want to understand screenwriting structure, don’t crack open another manual. Just watch Jaws.

Spielberg’s 1975 classic is often praised for its tension, groundbreaking effects, and that unforgettable John Williams score. But beneath the thrills and fear lies something even more impressive: a flawless, textbook three-act structure that hits every beat with surgical precision.

Act One: The Threat Emerges

The movie doesn’t waste time. A young woman goes swimming and doesn’t come back. Instant tension. Then we meet Brody—a man out of his depth (literally; he hates the water and sits in the car on the ferry). He tries to manage a beach town that doesn’t want to hear the word “shark.” The stakes are set. The inciting incident (Chrissie's death), the town's refusal to act, and the second killing all build to Brody slamming the beach closed.

And just like that, the plot is locked in.

Act Two: The Shark vs. the Town

This is where most movies meander. Not Jaws. We get a series of escalating conflicts. The mayor still refuses to act? Yup. Alex Kintner on a raft? Gone. Quint scratching the chalkboard with that glorious monologue? Legendary. This act does double duty: it raises the body count and deepens our characters. Brody’s fear, Mrs. Kintner's slap, Hooper’s obsession, and Quint’s mythology all come into play. Every scene builds tension, reveals character, and marches us toward the inevitable confrontation.

Act Three: The Orca and the Open Sea

By the time we set sail on the Orca, the genre shifts entirely. What started as a town-hall thriller turns into a survival-at-sea monster movie. This third act is lean, mean, and beautifully executed. It’s three men, one boat, and one shark. No subplots. No distractions. Just payoff after payoff. Quint’s U.S.S. Indianapolis speech? Chilling. The exploding tank finale? Iconic.

Each character gets exactly the ending their arc demands. Quint dies consumed by the thing he’s hunted his whole life. Hooper survives by hiding—just like he avoids confrontation on land. Brody? He conquers his fear and blows the damn thing up.

You know what? I'll even go one better. You can listen to the film's soundtrack to grasp the same three-act structure. The first and second acts feature deep, brooding pieces of music. When we reach the Orca, the music brightens, filled with French horns and a sense of adventure.

Why It Still Matters

Jaws isn’t just the best three-act film—it’s the most honest. It respects the audience. It knows when to build and when to release. It teaches screenwriters that structure isn’t about formulas; it’s about escalation, transformation, and payoff.

The Cultural Impact of Jaws

The influence of Jaws extends far beyond its initial release. It changed the landscape of Hollywood, ushering in the era of the summer blockbuster. Audiences flocked to theaters, and studios took notice. The film's success paved the way for future franchises and set a new standard for marketing films.

Lessons for Aspiring Screenwriters

For aspiring screenwriters, Jaws offers invaluable lessons. The screenplay demonstrates the importance of character development and conflict. Each character's journey is compelling and relatable. The film shows that a well-structured plot can elevate a story from good to unforgettable.

The Legacy of John Williams' Score

John Williams' score is another critical element of Jaws. The iconic two-note motif is instantly recognizable. It builds anticipation and fear, enhancing the film's tension. Williams' ability to convey emotion through music is a masterclass in itself. The score has become synonymous with the film and remains a staple in popular culture.

The Evolution of Horror and Thriller Genres

Jaws also played a significant role in shaping the horror and thriller genres. It set a precedent for how to build suspense and create fear. The film's blend of horror and adventure has influenced countless filmmakers. Today, many horror films still draw inspiration from its techniques.

The Importance of Cinematic Techniques

Cinematography and editing in Jaws are equally noteworthy. Spielberg's use of suspenseful framing and pacing keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film's editing creates a rhythm that enhances the storytelling. These techniques are essential for any filmmaker looking to create tension in their work.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic

So the next time someone asks you what a perfect movie looks like, don’t quote a book. Just say: You're going to need a bigger boat. Jaws remains a timeless classic, a benchmark for screenwriters and filmmakers alike. Its legacy endures, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the art of cinema.