Why Spielberg Had to Push So Hard For Jaws’ Explosive Ending (& Why He Was Right)

The blockbuster hit “Jaws” held the record for the most successful box office at its time (despite contributing to a negative portrayal of sharks), and a key factor in its success was the film’s dramatic ending, particularly the way Brody killed the shark. In contrast to the shark’s demise in Benchley’s book, the movie’s conclusion was more theatrically intense and literally explosive. It is no wonder that Steven Spielberg, a pioneer in summer blockbusters through “Jaws”, advocated for this ending.







