A complete overview is provided of what is involved in producing a movie; from the discovery of the book manuscript and purchasing the film rights to negotiating with the local inhabitants and government agencies to get permission for the location shooting to the sneak previews. What works in the favour of the book is that it was originally written before Jaws dominated the summer box office in 1975 meaning that the recollections are as fresh as the catch of the day. Gottlieb’s self-depreciating sense humour adds a great deal of charm and amusement to proceedings. “Talk about egos splits – you haven’t experienced schizophrenia until you sit in a story conference discussing whether you presence in a scene is necessary or desirable, knowing that every cut you make as a writer destroys you as an actor and that every objection you raise has to be judged on two levels: the writer’s defense of a character in a scene, and the actor’s dismay at being eliminated from a juicy role.”
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| Roy Scheider, Peter Benchley and Carl Gottlieb |
For those who want to get an insider’s view of what it takes to make a movie, The Jaws Log is overflowing with facts, insights and wit; it is an enjoyable reminder that there is story behind the one being showcased on the big screen.
Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada.
