Jaws

[Scott]

For years I’ve been wanting to read the novel. I kept on putting it off for something newer, or another recommendation. I finally started reading it yesterday. The 70s-isms hit a nostalgic mark. And then there was another moment that was surprisingly timely in relation to current events. When Brody first closed the beaches there are wannabe swimmers making argument as to why they should be allowed to swim that could be quotes of people arguing why they shouldn’t have to wear masks. That out of control sense of entitlement thread still weaves it’s way through too many American psyches.

[geneweigel]

I sped read it only in the 70's so I don't recall any of it of course. Just as I wrote that I had a flashback of reading a comic version of Benchley's next outing THE DEEP (1977) which wasn't even close as JAWS. It seemed better in the movies than on edited-for-television because I think they removed all the nipple scenes which was on the poster in the lobby. I recall watching a 90's Peter Benchley TV movie about a squid. Of course, none can hold a candle to the original film. It seems like everything is a meme these days especially the Jaws mayor.

As far as the masks, I'm fine with it but the communication dynamic is ruined by them (no smiles) so I'm kind of off on them but I wear it for show anyway. I went through a temp checkpoint to go to the beach. That shit is like a bad sci-fi movie.

[Scott]

The novel is pretty good. Has a good pace, and is a very easy read. It's not great writing, but it's a good story. Some of the characters and events are just completely different than in the movie, like Brody's wife, who comes from a wealthy background, really wants to seduce Hooper to prove to herself that she still has it with the money crowd.