Final Thesis - John Williams - ScholarsArchive at Oregon State ...

version of the sea chanty heard in “Preparing the Cage” with more string
accompaniment in a major chord. The use of major tones in a similar style as the
shark theme seems to conclude the intense drama of the prior shark hunting scenes,
and serves as a cue to the audience that there is a conclusion and hope for the
characters finally.
Jaws: Scene by Scene Music Analysis
0:00:32-0:01:14 - The ominous ostinato of the shark theme begins with the
introductory credits (“Main Title”), acting as a drawn out stinger, and builds tension
with sharp glissandos before cutting to a scene of teenagers at a bonfire on the
beach.
0:01:15-0:02:40 - In constrast to the shark theme, the teens are playing upbeat
guitar and harmonica at their bonfire, unaware of the potential danger they face.
0:03:37-0:05:15 - A string melody hints at coming action, and the quiet ostinato
begins and then builds into a frenzy after a sharp string shriek as the shark attacks
in “Chrissie’s Death.”
0:08:25-0:08:40 - A quiet harp melody plays in the background as a police officer,
the chief and the teenager who was with Chrissie encounter Chrissie’s body on the
beach covered in crabs.
0:10:21-0:11:37 - The Amity marching band is practicing on main street in
preparation for the season opening day celebration.
0:16:51-0:17:51 - The scene opens with an underwater view of swimmers legs as
the deep bass horn begins the slow shark theme. The ostinato continues building
tension and with a sharp string glissando and great focus-zoom film shot on Chief
Brody’s face as he sees the shark surfacing to viciously attack and kill the young boy,
Alex Kintner. The attack continues and the theme adds in more intense fast
attacking horns, strings, and xylophones.
0:24:36-0:25:01- Two fishermen are rowing a boat at night to a dock and whistling.
They ominously put a roast on a hook and chain it to the end of the dock in hopes of
catching the shark.
18