There was the increasingly inflated budget, exacerbated by local saboteurs that would regularly delay the production and crew by pouring liquid into gas tanks, stealing equipment and local businesses overcharging for accommodation and basic amenities. Even distancing himself from movie after its completion. Dreyfuss reluctance to play the part of Hooper, bemoaning the superficiality of the character. Budgetary constraints, the isolation from family while shooting on Martha’s Vineyard, the ever looming potential of an actor’s union strike. With Gottlieb describing the movie’s production as the equivalent of N.A.S.A getting man to the moon and back again! It wasn’t just the dangerously swelling seas or “Bruce’s” fabled reticence to perform when required, but other human interferences.

This is a manuscript that amiably conveys the perils and futility of a movie so reliant on the capricious support of nature. And there’s not a single sentance, or anecdote that isn’t used to enhance the almost mythologised notoriety assotiated with this sordid production struggles. Though a foreward by Peter Benchly indicates that as far as he is concerned, Carl’s truth, is the truth. The book is prefaced by an admission by Carl Gottlieb that alludes to the singular perspective scribed in his book, that is likely contradictory to others perceived experience. From malfunctioning Sharks, adverse weather conditions, angry Australians, Martha’s Vineyard and a 4ft 9inch former jockey coming dangerously close to imitating Quint’s final moments! The obstacles faced during the making of this picture would cripple most productions, and it’s clear from “The Jaws Log” that it almost did! The book explores the conception and process of getting the original Jaws novel published, commissioned for a movie adaptation and predominantly detailing the infamous filming issues that plagued the production. A role that eventually conflicted with his own script revisions that subsequently reduced his character considerably. Written by Carl Gottlieb, co-writer of the Jaws adaptation, hired by Spielberg to work on the script as well as an actor in the movie. The Jaws Log is a fascinating account chronicling the making of the 1975 classic Jaws, one of my all time favourite movies. A book you can really “sink” your teeth into.

Carl gottlieb the jaws log