Films That Shook Me Up IV: - Jaws: The Revenge

Hear me out.

Sometimes, films hit us where we least expect it. They reach into our subconscious and stir feelings we didn't know we had. For many, including me, the Jaws series is synonymous with primal fear, but it was Jaws: The Revenge that left a lasting imprint on me at least as much as the original. I remember vividly the first kill in this fourth installment—Sean Brody's terrifying encounter with the great white shark. It wasn't just a moment of horror; it was an emotional gut punch that has stayed with me ever since.

Sean Brody’s Untimely Demise

The death of Sean Brody is a scene that's etched in my mind, not just for its shocking brutality but for the profound emotional weight it carries. Unlike typical slasher film kills that often feel gratuitous, Sean’s death is loaded with significance. It's the kind of scene that pulls you into the character's world, making you feel the loss as if it were personal.

The scene begins with Sean, son of the iconic Chief Brody, attending to a routine task. A simple act rendered harrowing by what’s to come. The suddenness of the attack and the way it unfolds is masterful. Sean's gradual realization that he's lost his arm is one of the most convincing portrayals of trauma I've ever seen. Mitchell Anderson’s performance is raw and authentic, making the horror palpable. Every time I revisit this scene, I can feel my own pulse quicken, a testament to its lasting impact.

I even find this picture tough to look at. Side note-Originally this was supposed to be Roy Scheider, but he reportedly said 'Satan himself could not get me to do Jaws part 4'. I'm not sure what that says about Michael Caine. 

The Day That Changed My View

I remember the evening I first watched Jaws: The Revenge. The film had just started, I was engrossed, and then came the scene. The shock and dread I felt were overwhelming. Halfway through the film, I was called for dinner, and I could barely stomach my meal. My parents noticed my pallor, asking if I was alright. That evening is seared into my memory, a photograph of pure terror and emotional disturbance.

When I finally sat down to watch the rest of the movie, I found myself unusually invested. Despite the film's overall mixed reception, Sean’s death scene anchored my attention. It turned Jaws: The Revenge into an experience I couldn’t easily dismiss, no matter how critical others might be.

Oh dear

The Power of Performance

Mitchell Anderson’s portrayal of Sean Brody's final moments stands out as one of the best reactions to trauma captured on film. The slow realization of his grievous injury, the shock, and sheer panic are rendered with such authenticity that it’s hard to believe he wasn't actually in danger. This is acting at its most visceral, pulling the audience into the nightmare unfolding on screen.

Interestingly, the original Jaws also featured an unforgettable first kill, made even more compelling because actress Susan Backlinie was genuinely injured during filming. While such methods are far from ethical, they underscore the lengths to which filmmakers go to capture genuine fear. Anderson's performance, however, doesn't rely on such measures. His ability to convey raw, unfiltered emotion through acting alone is remarkable.

Cinematic Techniques That Amplify the Horror

The emotional heft of Sean's death scene is enhanced by a series of well-executed cinematic techniques:

• Suspense-Building Music and Silence: The strategic use of music and silence creates an unnerving tension that grips the viewer.
• Camera Work and Editing: Careful camera angles and quick cuts emphasize the suddenness and brutality of the attack.
• Close-Up Shots: Focusing on Sean’s face as he realizes his injury adds a layer of intimate tragedy to the scene.
• Lighting and Setting: The somber lighting and isolated setting underscore Sean's vulnerability.
• Underwater and Surface-Level Perspectives: These dual perspectives heighten the sense of lurking danger and the shark’s ominous presence.
• Pacing: The deliberate pacing lulls the audience into a false sense of security before the sudden, shocking attack.

Emotional Impact Through the Years

Even today, revisiting this scene is a daunting task. Watching it again recently, I found that the sense of dread hadn’t diminished. The rest of the film might fall short of its predecessors, but Sean's death remains just as impactful. Whether it’s nostalgia or the scene’s inherent power, it continues to evoke a deep, visceral response.

Comparing Jaws: The Revenge to the Original

I realise this isn't a thing people do too often, but I sincerely believe the first kill in Jaws: The Revenge stands tall even when compared to the iconic opening scene of the original Jaws. Both scenes set the tone for their respective films, but they do so in different ways. The original relies on the unseen terror, building suspense through what isn’t shown, while The Revenge invests heavily in emotional engagement.

Both benefit from stellar acting performances. In the original Jaws, Susan Backlinie’s genuine shock at being injured by a crew member pulling her around on a line adds authenticity. In The Revenge, Mitchell Anderson’s portrayal of Sean Brody’s slow, harrowing realization brings a different yet equally powerful form of horror. Each film uses its respective cinematic techniques to create an unforgettable introduction, ensuring the audience is 'hooked' from the off.

MY LEG!

Conclusion

Jaws: The Revenge may not be the most critically acclaimed film in the series, but it has this moment of brilliance. Sean Brody’s death scene, with its combination of emotional depth, superb acting, and masterful filmmaking, is a testament to the impact cinema can have. It’s a scene that not only shook me up but also left an indelible mark on my psyche. Unfortunately, the same can't be said of the rest of the film, but it did famously buy Michael Caine a house.

For anyone interested in the mechanics of horror and the power of performance, this scene offers valuable lessons. And for those who've experienced similar moments in cinema, it’s a reminder of the profound effect films can have on us, shaping our memories and emotions in ways we often don’t expect.

You may not want to watch Jaws The Revenge. I respect that. If not, the board game has a very decent reduction at the time of writing. Get it here

Otherwise, the whole series is available cheaply on DVD, even less if you go used. 

Enjoy this article? Take a look at the rest of the Films That Shook Me Up series:

Part 1: The Fog

Part 2: Robocop

Part 3: Ghostwatch

You can see the next in the series of Films That Shook Me Up HERE. Just try and understand what we're dealing with here. Don't underestimate it.