Steven Spielberg reflected on the early days of filming “Jaws” as he toured a new exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the film at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The exhibit, which opens Sunday and runs through July, is the first full show at the museum dedicated to a single film since its opening in 2021.
Visitors to the exhibit will see more than 200 items from “Jaws,” including a buoy used in the movie’s opening scene. Spielberg recalled his mindset during filming: “How did anybody know to take the buoy and take it home and sit on it for 50 years?” He added, “I’m just so proud of the work they’ve done. What they’ve put together here at this exhibition is just awesome. Every room has the minutiae of how this picture got together.”
Museum director Amy Homma described the exhibition as a historic step for the institution. “Clearly this is a very historic initiative for us,” Homma said before introducing Spielberg, and she also announced plans for a full Spielberg retrospective in 2028.
A notable feature at the museum is Bruce, the only surviving full-scale mechanical shark from “Jaws.” The 25-foot prop has been displayed above escalators since the museum opened. Homma noted that Bruce has become an “unofficial mascot” that “helped to define this museum.”
The media preview included live music from a 68-piece orchestra performing John Williams’ score, with two musicians who played on the original soundtrack participating. Among interactive elements are a keyboard that demonstrates Williams’ two-note motif and setups where visitors can recreate memorable shots from the film.
Other highlights include scale models of mechanical sharks, a recreation of the Orca’s galley, and several original props such as a dorsal fin and equipment used by crew members like cinematographer Bill Butler and editor Verna Fields. Archival material covers casting processes led by Shari Rhodes and contributions from screenwriters including Peter Benchley.
Spielberg emphasized collaboration over individual achievement in filmmaking: “This motion picture industry is really truly a collaborative art form. No place for auteurs.” He described production challenges due to weather delays and equipment failures: “I just really was not ready to endure the amount of obstacles that were thrown in our path, starting with Mother Nature,” he said. Despite setbacks—including seasickness among crew—Spielberg concluded that their efforts paid off in creating what became a landmark film.
