Terrific read, really enjoyed your analysis and, well, I can only but agree. The more I watch Jaws, and believe me, I’ve watched it more times than I can remember, I get more and more convinced in my view that this is a genuine masterpiece of a film, if not THE masterpiece of cinema.

Every single aspect of the film is pitch perfect. From the use of sound (and of course music), pacing and set-pieces that keep you edge every bit as much and anything Hitchcock ever did.

I could go on for hours about this film, truly. And yes, I have also read the novel. Enjoyable enough, but easily dispensed with to be honest and I heartily agree that Spielberg nailed it by dispensing with some of the soapy plot lines.

I do have one query however. You mention in the novel that Brody is a different back-story (true) hailing from New York. However, I think that may be an error. If I recall correctly, in the novel, Brody is an islander, conflicted by his resentment of the socialites who descend upon Amity each year while aware of their necessity to the local economy. And, that he has insecurities over the fact Ellen, his wife, is of the socialite set and has ‘married below her status’

That’s the driver for her affair with Hooper, who hails from her social class and with whom she has some history.

It’s an interesting angle but poorly executed and the film is infinitely better for the changes and omissions.

It is in the film that Brody is the ex-New York cop moved to Amity, which he alludes to on the night time boat ride with Hopper, talking about one man making a difference. And later, after his son’s accident When he say to Ellen about taking the boys home, she says: New York? to which he replies, “no, home here.’

I may of course be misremembering but that was my take.

Doesn’t deflect however from another fine piece of film writing, Simon. Very enjoyable and certainly has my vote over best film adaptation. Although, Die Hard is a pretty good alternate answer too, I’d say.