The Crimes of Adaptation: Why Jaws Outperformed Its Book Sources Despite Creative Detours
The Crimes of Adaptation: Why Jaws Outperformed Its Book Sources Despite Creative Detours
Adaptations of beloved books often meet with mixed reviews, as filmmakers try to capture the essence of the source material while adding their own unique touches. However, sometimes the adaptations can fall far short of the original. In this article, we explore a case where the film adaptation vastly outperformed the book: Jaws. Contrary to the harsh critical reception of another adaptation, Starship Troopers, Steven Spielberg's Jaws became a cultural phenomenon while maintaining the essence of the original source material.
From Thought Experiment to Beach-Thriller: The Director's Vision
While Steve McQueen filmed Starship Troopers, director Paul Verhoeven faced significant criticism for straying too far from the original book. Unlike Verhoeven, Steven Spielberg's Jaws adaptation took creative liberties but did so in a way that elevated the film's impact. Spielberg's intention was clear from the outset; he wanted to create a classic beach thriller that would captivate audiences. His vision involved a mechanical shark that malfunctioned frequently, adding a layer of suspense that the source material lacked.
Challenges of Filmmaking: A Battle Against the Elements
Despite Spielberg's confidence, the challenges of filming a shark-driven film were immense. The introduction of the mechanical shark led to numerous production issues, including malfunctioning equipment and extended filming periods. Contrary to what the director envisaged, the shoot extended from 55 days to 159 days due to the shark's erratic behavior. This extended period also increased the budget, which ultimately doubled from $4 million to $9 million.
Transforming a Horror Flick to a Thriller
The novel Jaws took a different direction from the film's narrative. The original story focused on a much darker and more ambiguous view of characters, where the shark served as a symbol of evil, rather than as a creature-of-opportunity in the film adaptation. Ian Flower's Jaws novel included unsympathetic and villainous characters, unlike the likeable actors in Spielberg's film. The shark, however, was a beloved character in both versions.
Character Revisions: From Rednecks to Academy-Raters
In stark contrast to the book, Spielberg's characters were recast and reimagined. Chief Martin Brody, played by Roy Schneider, became a humorous yet vulnerable underdog, while Quatermass (Quinn), played by Roy Scheider, transformed from a typecast macho expert into a relatable everyman. Matt Hooper, initially portrayed as an arrogant dork, was toned down into a more intellectual character.
Unfolding Differences: Plot and Character Motivations
The differences between the film and the book extend beyond the characters. Mayor Vaughn's motivations, for instance, underwent a significant transformation. In the film, Larry Vaughn was Brody's ally, driven by public concern and grief. In the novel, however, Mayor Vaughn's desperation to maintain the beach opened was covertly tied to his mafia connections and the profitability of the island.
Conclusion: An Iconic Film's Evolution
While Starship Troopers faced criticism for straying too far from its source material, Jaws emerged as a masterpiece of popcorn filmmaking. The adaptation's success lies in its ability to carve a narrative that both honored and expanded the source material. Despite the extensive challenges and creative detours, Spielberg's film remains a classic summer blockbuster that continues to intrigue audiences worldwide.