In Jaws, Spielberg uses a variety of shots to portray what is happening to the audience. One shot, used in particular, is the extreme close up. He makes use of this early in the film by zooming on a typewriter when it slowly types the word “Shark” under “Probable Cause of Death.” By putting so much emphasis on the word “Shark,” the audience knows that, not only are shark attacks uncommon there, but also that this particular shark will be a significant threat and key to the plot.
He uses an extreme close up even earlier when he shows the cop’s expression after finding what is left of the dead girl in the beginning. Although the girl is not shown at first, the audience immediately can assume that it is her and that the scene is very disturbing because of the horrified expression on the cop’s face. This also prepares the audience; viewers who do not want to see that body have adequate time to cover their eyes.
Other examples of this type of shot occur when the hired fisherman violently places his machete on the side of the boat, meaning that it will be used later, or when the fisherman picks up the wooden bat, causing the audience to suspect he will use it to strike the main character thus creating suspense. These carefully placed shots add many positive elements to the movie. (RL)
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