Jaws Deep Dive: A FINatic’s Look at a Classic Film
Jaws Deep Dive: A FINatic’s Look at a Classic Film
Fifty years after its release, Jaws remains an undisputed Hollywood classic. But what makes it so enduring? While most films from 1975 have faded into obscurity, Jaws continues to captivate audiences, generation after generation.
Join historian, film scholar, and lifelong Jaws fan A. Bowdoin “Bow” Van Riper on Friday, June 20th, at 9:30am for an in-depth, fan-focused exploration of the film’s brilliance. Through carefully selected clips and stills, this program breaks down the elements that make Jaws a masterpiece:
- Source Material – From Peter Benchley’s novel to classic literature and chilling real-life events
- Plot – Why Jaws is really three films in one—and why that makes all the difference
- Characters – How casting, dialogue, and performances bring our heroes to life
- Setting – How Amity becomes a living, breathing character in the film
- Suspense – How Jaws masterfully taps into our primal fear of the unknown lurking beneath the surface
About Your Guide
A “summer kid” turned year-round Island resident, Bow has a unique connection to Jaws—at age 11, he was one of the panicked swimmers in the iconic “cardboard fin” scene. He later earned a PhD, spent over 20 years teaching history (proving it doesn’t have to be boring!), and has published books and articles analyzing over 150 films—including, of course, Jaws.This deep dive is designed for those who know Jaws inside and out but still crave more. If you’re a true FINatic, this is a can’t-miss experience!
Tickets: $100; includes admission to MVM on June 20th, snacks and commemorative gift
DETAILS
| Date | June 20, 2025 |
|---|---|
| From | 9:30 am |
| To | 12:30 pm |
| Type | Talk |
| Venue | Martha’s Vineyard Museum |