Sight And Symbolism - Exploring The Role Of Glasses In Jaws
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Jaws has become a cornerstone of cinematic history – a brilliantly crafted monster movie, an emblem of summer entertainment, and a testament to the visionary talent of director Steven Spielberg. While its aesthetic qualities make it an exciting, adrenaline-fuelled adventure story that has won the hearts of generations of audiences, the film is also a deeply symbolic movie with themes that offer further dimensions to this Hollywood classic.
For example, Jaws delves into universal themes through its central revenge narrative. Essentially, the film revolves around three men on a quest to hunt down a colossal, voracious predator. In many ways, Jaws can be interpreted as a contemporary rendition of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, a tale brimming with so many symbols as to render them almost meaningless.
Much like Melville’s exploration of existential themes, Jaws probes the nature of meaning and significance, prompting viewers to question the essence of their existence. The shark, akin to Moby Dick, embodies an enigmatic force, open to multifaceted interpretations – a metaphor for environmental degradation, human greed, societal decay, and the inconvenient truths that are often swept under the rug. It underscores the discomforting notion that inconvenient facts, particularly those concerning uncontrollable forces like biology, are conveniently dismissed by political systems driven by self-interest.
The film also harbours a spiritual dimension, epitomised by Quint’s haunting recount of his harrowing ordeal aboard the U.S.S. Indianapolis. Quint’s scars, both physical and emotional, serve as visceral reminders of humanity’s vulnerability and insignificance in the face of nature’s indiscriminate wrath. His confrontation with the shark is not merely a battle for survival but a reckoning with the ghosts of his past – a futile attempt to defy fate and seek redemption in the jaws of death. Quint’s tragic story echoes the existential struggles of Captain Ahab, both ensnared in cycles of vengeance and self-destruction, oblivious to the cosmic forces at play.
Jaws and its depiction of prescription glasses
Prescription glasses carry diverse symbolic meanings for men and women, yet when considering their significance for men, they traditionally embody traits such as clarity, constraint, stability, and virtue. This symbolism resonates deeply with the protagonists in Jaws, as both male characters epitomise balanced individuals – fair, honest, and educated.
For instance, during a dinner at the Brody home, Chief Brody (played by Roy Scheider in arguably his best film) who has emerged as one of the great movie heroes who wear glasses thanks to his exploits in Jaws, demonstrates his virtuous side by discussing his research on sharks with Hooper. Brody’s independent investigation and commitment to educating himself reflect his responsibility towards the safety of Amity Island’s citizens under his charge.
Similarly, Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) exhibits clarity of thought and virtue through his insistence on autopsying the tiger shark caught by the fishermen. While others assume the shark to be responsible for the attacks, Hooper’s unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth showcases his dedication to doing what is right and allowing facts to speak for themselves. Both characters embody rational thinking and clarity, aligning perfectly with the symbolic attributes of glasses in male characters.
Furthermore, there are pivotal moments in the film where both protagonists voluntarily remove their glasses, symbolising moments of troubling uncertainty. For instance, when Brody removes his glasses upon seeing Chrissie’s remains, he succumbs to the town mayor’s pressure to alter the cause of death, blinding himself to the truth. Similarly, in the film’s climax, Hooper removes his glasses before entering a metal cage in a misguided attempt to confront the Great White shark. This decision leads to dire consequences, highlighting the peril of surrendering one’s vision.
These instances underscore the symbolic importance of prescription glasses in the film, as the characters’ moments of compromised vision coincide with their greatest struggles – intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Without their glasses, their clarity falters, leaving them vulnerable to the challenges they face. Thus, while glasses serve as a well-tapped symbol throughout the film, it is crucial to note these moments when their removal signifies a loss of sight and clarity, exposing the characters to the harsh realities they confront.
Not just a monster movie
Jaws transcends its status as a mere creature feature, morphing into a profound meditation on the human condition and the precarious balance between man and nature.
Brody’s journey from reluctant bystander to reluctant hero encapsulates the film’s underlying message – that individual choices can shape the course of history, for better or worse.
The climactic showdown between Brody and the shark symbolises not only a triumph of human ingenuity but also a fleeting moment of hope amidst the relentless tide of despair. Ultimately, the film serves as a cautionary tale – a stark reminder of humanity’s hubris and its inevitable reckoning with the forces beyond its control.
And it reminds us that sight, both literal and metaphorical, is the key to understanding and resilience in the face of adversity. As the protagonists peer through lenses and windows, they confront not only a relentless predator but also their inner demons, emerging stronger and wiser in the process.
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https://www.top10films.co.uk/82919-sight-and-symbolism-exploring-the-role-of-glasses-in-jaws/