Sounds like that’s from the book? I like the gunshot reading because of how it fits with the film’s theme of unseen horrors, but there’s an argument for following the “original” text.
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It’s in the script, but I don’t say this to be pedantic, I think it’s entirely fine for folks to read it differently! But for me I think his arc speaks more to the idea he de-escalates in life & tries to avoid conflict (unlike the other men who seek it), until he is forced to & he saves the day.
jun 21, 2025, 5:57 pm • 0 0 • view
Yes! He’s trying to save a safe place to perch between the dangers of civilization and the dangers of wilderness, but all that’s available is the illusion of safety clung to by the mayor and other powers that be.
jun 21, 2025, 7:10 pm • 0 0 • view
I read his character as the man who left the dangerous city to keep his family safe, someone who wants to live his life & not be pulled into everyone else’s silly notions of masculinity. But he won’t look away from the truth, he’s courageous precisely b/c he’s afraid but does it anyway b/c he must.
jun 21, 2025, 5:58 pm • 0 0 • view
But I think it’s a fair interpretation to say he’s a quiet modest man who left the city to protect his family, who doesn’t seek out danger but who’s faced it before & is willing to do it again if/when others won’t. He carries his scars, but unlike others he sees them as warnings not trophies/medals.
jun 21, 2025, 6:01 pm • 0 0 • view
I just prefer the other b/c I find it more transformative, & I think the transformative arc works better in the larger context of the story than the revelatory arc. It’s a shot where what’s on the page & the intent still result in a shot w/more than 1 fair interpretation by viewers.
jun 21, 2025, 6:04 pm • 0 0 • view
Which is interesting in that it’s one of the scenes where what the viewer brings to the experience can result in very different understanding of the character & his trajectory from the start to the end.
jun 21, 2025, 6:06 pm • 0 0 • view
Also very sorry to everyone for all these posts, I’m higher than Jesus right now & just re-watched JAWS on my basement movie screen, it’s my favorite movie & I just published my 50 yr anniversary article a/b it too. I love the chance to talk to anyone who’s willing to talk a/b it, I love this movie.
jun 21, 2025, 6:08 pm • 0 0 • view