Jaws

Jaws

Directed by Steven Spielberg

USA, 1975

Cornerhouse, 22 July 2012

What I realised about Jaws this time around is that – like Psycho, a similar offering - it’s in a sense two distinct films.

The first is set on the island, where a shark attack, a threat from outside, puts a small-town community under stress.  It’s apparent that this community is not quite as unified as it seems, the mayor placing economic interests above public safety with fatal consequences.  When these conflicts are finally resolved, we are at sea and the hunt for the shark begins in earnest.

This second film is pure Howard Hawks territory: you have a mismatched trio working together to bring down a fearsome foe.  At the start there’s a mutual disregard, then a grudging respect develops, and finally it transpires that they’d gladly die for each other.  All according to formula.

Everything is well done and works well, but it is John Williams’ score that raises a well-crafted film to classic status.  It’s exceptional, not only the mesmerising theme but also the way it sometimes subtly echoes Quint’s sea shanty.

Jaws is showing again on Wednesday as part of the Matinee Classics season, further details can be found here.

The Spaghetti Western Orchestra

The Spaghetti Western Orchestra

The Lowry, 24 May 2012

These fellows play the music of Ennio Morricone, and mighty fine they are at it too.

They dress as characters from Westerns as well – there’s a desperado, a bounty hunter, an undertaker or casino owner (easy to get these two mixed up), a bank teller… no cowgirls, mind, nor showgirls wearing garters, neither.  Another time, maybe.

Their musical instruments include a theremin, always a treat to see one on stage and in operation.  And the music was enhanced by various visual effects, notably a toy train trundling along – a sweet reminder that robbing a train was virtually de rigueur in Leone’s Westerns.  Morricone’s music works terrifically well here and it got me thinking about other composers who’ve written for films – Bernard Herrmann, John Barry, John Williams, Lalo Schifrin – and how well their music would fare in a show like this.  If given the same kind of classy, inventive treatment, their music would make a great show, for sure.