Into the Jaws of Capitalism

How Spielberg’s masterpiece can be interpreted as a critique of American Capitalism

One could argue that the relative simplicity, at least on face value, of Jaws, is what allows it to resonate. The theme tune is emblematic of this and is one of the most recognized themes in film history and popular culture. The plot too can be summarised as so — an island terrorized by a killer shark.

However, to view Jaws through such a narrow lens does the film a great injustice. Over the past decades, a plethora of theories surrounding the true meaning of the film has sprung up each with their respective validity and intrigue.

As commented in The Economist in July 2020 “is it a comment on corruption after Watergate, a parable of the Vietnam war, or an illustration of Freudian castration anxiety? Fidel Castro, in an excursion into film criticism, reckoned it was a devastating Marxist critique of American capitalism.”

The film is set around the 4th of July is no coincidence as this, represents, above all else, America as a nation. Amity Island is so dependent on summer tourism that no matter what happens “those beaches will be open for business”.(Mayor Vaughan).

Mayor Vaughan is immediately presented, along with the shark itself, as the antagonistic force…