On June 20, 1975, the movie 'Jaws' directed by Steven Spielberg opened in theaters in the United States. The film tells the fictional story of a great white shark terrorizing a New England beach resort town, becoming a blockbuster and the highest-grossing film until outpaced by 'Star Wars.' The legacy of 'Jaws' includes setting the precedent for the term 'summer blockbuster.'
Key Points
Film released on June 20, 1975, directed by Steven Spielberg
Based on the bestselling novel by Peter Benchley
Legacy includes setting the precedent for 'summer blockbuster'
Pros
Iconic film that became a blockbuster and highest-grossing movie
Set the precedent for the term 'summer blockbuster'
Cons
Steven Spielberg regrets the negative impact on great white sharks' population due to the portrayal in 'Jaws'
Sequels did not match the success of the original film