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The Month of Horror Day 29: Jaws

Basement contributor Matt Bellamy has taken it upon himself to watch and review at least one horror movie a day for the month of October . . . because he's awesome that way! Tonight, Bellamy reminds us why it's still not safe to go back in the water.

I had a discussion with a co-worker awhile back about whether or not Jaws is actually a horror movie, he did not think so but I absolutely believe it is--can you think of another film that caused as many phobias? Since it came out in 1975, many people have been terrified of both the water and, of course, sharks. You can't tell me there's never been an occasion where, for example, you've been in murky, deep water, you can't see the bottom and that infamous 'daaaaa na" theme pops in your head! If fear like that isn't horrifying then I don't know what is. Aside from this being one of the most truly scary horror movies ever made, it's also one of the greatest films ever made, period. I am proud to say that Jaws fits very comfortably in my "top five" list of favourite movies of all time--if it shows up on tv, I'm watching it, and while I'm watching it, my day has instantly been improved. If you're for whatever reason unfamiliar with the story, or God forbid, haven't even seen it (yikes), it goes like this: a killer great white shark terrorizes the beaches of a quaint, island town until a motley trio of men vow to hunt it down, destroy it, and put an end to the bloodshed. Fairly simple stuff however plot complexity is not needed here as it's all about the fear that has blanketed this island town over the fourth of July weekend when tourists and vacationers (or lunch and dinner) are in abundance. I love the characters here and the actors that portray them, they're all working at the top of their game and you never once don't believe anything they are saying or doing on-screen. Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw become iconic in their roles, especially Shaw who plays the grizzled seaman Quint--his speech about the USS Indianapolis towards the end is the stuff of legend, one of the greatest scenes committed to any film. Jaws is a classic, a masterpiece, and still one of the most terrifying films ever made. What more could possibly said except... SMILE YOU SON OF A-

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