Blockbusters

What was so significant about Jaws?

Jaws is a high concept film which means that it is similar to themes, narratives, characters, stereotypes, and structures that can be found in other films. For example, the film producers do not want to take risks financially whilst making their films, they don't want to alienate their audience at a risk of losing money over the films content which is why the use of the Classic Hollywood Narrative is so widespread.

Jaws is significant because it is the first film that can be considered a High-Concept film, and is the base of how the film industry creates blockbusters. Many films, even recent films today follow the same type of structure and themes (Fear, Death) in Jaws because it is guaranteed to interest people and create profit.

Outline the characteristics of a blockbuster?
A Blockbuster is a film that is a high concept film. It will have lots of advertising, merchandise and awareness surrounding the film. The film will be hyped up by the media until it reaches a point where it becomes an event film. It will have high profile actors, maybe a high profile director. If it is a sequel or a prequel, it will have iconic moments. A blockbuster film would also be distributed by a popular distributor so that the film is widespread as possible. It won't be an independent film and it wont take any risks financially with the film's content.