Mary Allen
Introduction: Characters who meet their fate in Jaws
Jaws is a classic thriller movie that has left its mark on cinema history. One of the elements that makes this movie so captivating is the number of characters who die throughout the story. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1975, follows a small island community threatened by a man-eating great white shark. As the story unfolds, we witness the demise of numerous characters, each with their unique story and impact on the plot.
The first victim: Chrissie Watkins
Chrissie Watkins is the first character to die in Jaws. She is a young woman who goes skinny-dipping at night and is attacked by the shark. Her death sets the tone for the rest of the movie and introduces the audience to the danger lurking in the ocean. Chrissie’s death is particularly gruesome, with her body being torn apart by the shark, and her screams are haunting. Her death also serves to establish the character of Police Chief Brody, who is determined to protect his community from further harm.
The second victim: Alex Kintner
Alex Kintner is a young boy who is attacked by the shark while playing in the ocean. His mother, played by Lee Fierro, becomes a memorable character in the movie, seeking revenge on the shark and confronting Mayor Vaughn for his reluctance to close the beaches. Alex’s death is a turning point in the plot, as it forces the community to acknowledge the severity of the situation and take action.
The third victim: Ben Gardner
Ben Gardner is a local fisherman who is found dead by Police Chief Brody in his boat. His death is mysterious and gruesome, with his eyeless face revealing the horror of the attack. Although we never see the shark attack Ben, his death adds to the tension and fear felt by the community. It also leads to Chief Brody’s decision to hire Quint, the shark hunter, to find and kill the shark.
The fourth victim: Quint
Quint is a memorable character in Jaws, a shark hunter who is hired by Chief Brody to find and kill the great white. He is a tough and experienced seaman, with a personal vendetta against the shark. However, his obsession with the shark leads to his demise. During the hunt, the shark attacks the boat, causing Quint to fall into the water and be dragged underwater to his death.
The fifth victim: The shark hunter
The shark hunter is a minor character who accompanies Quint on the hunt. He is killed by the shark when it jumps onto the boat and drags him into the water. His death adds to the chaos and danger of the situation and emphasizes the power of the shark.
The sixth victim: The shark itself
The shark is the main antagonist of the movie, and its death is a significant moment in the plot. After a long and intense battle, Chief Brody manages to kill the shark by shooting an oxygen tank in its mouth, causing it to explode. The shark’s death is a cathartic moment for the audience, as well as the characters in the movie, who can finally feel safe again.
The seventh victim: Pippet the dog
Pippet is a small dog owned by one of the island’s residents. He is killed by the shark while playing on the beach, adding to the sense of danger and tragedy in the movie.
The eighth victim: Estuary victim
The Estuary victim is a man who is killed by the shark in the estuary, a narrow passage of water leading to the ocean. His death is a reminder that the shark is still a threat, even after the community believes it has been killed.
The ninth victim: The helicopter pilot
The helicopter pilot is killed when the shark attacks the helicopter he is flying. His death is a shocking moment in the movie, and it adds to the sense of danger and chaos.
The tenth victim: The news reporter
The news reporter is killed by the shark while reporting on the situation from a small boat. Her death is a reminder that the shark is still out there, and no one is safe.
Conclusion: The impact of Jaws’ fatalities
The deaths of the characters in Jaws have a significant impact on the movie’s plot and themes. They create tension and fear, as well as a sense of tragedy and loss. The fatalities also serve to establish the characters of Police Chief Brody, Quint, and the shark itself. Through the deaths of the characters, the movie explores themes of fear, courage, and the power of nature. Overall, Jaws is a classic movie that continues to captivate audiences, in no small part due to its memorable fatalities.