Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic "Jaws,"
which film historians consider one of the first box-office blockbusters,
will be screened by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy as the
finale to their annual summer film series. ("Jaws"
was originally slated for Aug. 12, but was postponed due to inclement
weather.)
The PG-rated film stars Brooklyn native Richard Dreyfuss as
marine biologist and shark expert Matt Hooper, who attempts to
convince the local police chief (Roy Scheider) and the mayor
(Murray Hamilton) to close the fictional town of Amity’s beaches
before any more tourists become hors d’eouvres for a voracious
great white shark.
"Jaws" was nominated for best picture and won Oscars
for best film editing and best music for John Williams’ original
score ("dumdumdumdum").
Today, "Jaws" continues to inspire filmmakers, including
Brooklyn Heights’ own director Chris Kentis ("Open Water")
who told GO Brooklyn he would like to make a film about the lost
crew of the U.S.S. Indianapolis.
In "Jaws," the ill-fated World War II vessell forms
the basis for the film’s most memorable scene, a monologue by
the late Robert Shaw, as the old sea dog Quint.
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. A free
shuttle bus loops between the Clark Street 2/3, High Street A/C,
York Street F subway stations and the park.
The screening begins at 8:45 pm in Empire-Fulton Ferry State
Park, which can be accessed from Water Street at Dock Street.
For more information, log onto www.brooklynbridgepark.org
or call (718) 802-0603.
