Overdue Podcast Episode Summary: "Ep 714 - Jaws, by Peter Benchley"

Release Date: August 4, 2025 | Host: Headgum’s Andrew and Craig

1. Introduction to Overdue and Episode Focus

In this episode of Overdue, hosts Andrew and Craig delve into Peter Benchley’s seminal horror novel, "Jaws". The podcast centers on books that listeners have been meaning to read, exploring a wide array of genres from classic literature to obscure children's books. This episode juxtaposes the novel with its iconic film adaptation, unpacking the nuances and broader implications of both mediums.

2. Overview of "Jaws": Book vs. Movie

Andrew begins by acknowledging the profound impact Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film adaptation had on popular culture, effectively overshadowing Benchley’s original novel. “We’re talking about Jaws 2, which is the sequel to the movie Jaws..." (02:01), sets the stage for a discussion on how the movie became a defining summer blockbuster, shaping cinematic trends for decades.

3. Peter Benchley: Background and Motivation

The conversation shifts to Peter Benchley’s background. Andrew notes, “He’s the son of Nathaniel Benchley and grandson of Robert Benchley..." (06:34), highlighting the literary lineage that influenced Benchley’s writing career. Despite this legacy, Benchley sought to carve his own path, leading to the creation of "Jaws" as his attempt to sustain himself as a writer in 1971.

4. Publication Journey and Adaptation into Film

Benchley’s journey from manuscript to bestseller is discussed in detail. Craig references a 1974 New York Times article, “And Then and Then and Them: The Making of a Best Seller,” which illustrates the publishing challenges and the editing process Benchley navigated. “There were like two hundred and something titles that they went through... finally, somebody says, let’s just call it Jaws” (16:15), highlights the deliberation over the book’s title and cover design, ultimately aligning it closely with the movie’s iconic imagery.

5. Impact on Public Perception of Sharks

A significant portion of the discussion centers on how both Benchley’s novel and Spielberg’s film influenced public perception of sharks. Benchley later expressed regret over demonizing great white sharks, stating, “I could never demonize an animal... vitally necessary for the balance of nature..." (18:54). Andrew and Craig cite statistics showing minimal fatalities from shark attacks, challenging the exaggerated fear perpetuated by "Jaws". “There are like, two dozen shark attacks a year and, like, two fatalities every two years” (19:41), Andrew summarizes.

6. Themes and Subplots in the Novel

Contrasting with the streamlined narrative of the film, Benchley’s novel weaves in complex subplots addressing political corruption, race relations, and economic pressures in the small seaside town of Amity. Craig explains, “The shark is causing the 70s... revealing all of the fault lines of this community” (52:55), illustrating how the novel serves as a microcosm for broader societal issues of the era. These elements, however, were largely omitted or simplified in Spielberg’s adaptation to maintain the film’s focus on the thriller aspect.

7. Structural and Narrative Differences

The hosts delve into structural differences between the book and the movie. In the novel, characters such as Ellen Brody have more developed storylines, including a subplot about her marital strain and a brief lesbian relationship. Craig remarks, “But they are like subreddits organized around this sort of thing” (58:08), referencing the book’s exploration of personal relationships and community dynamics, which the film sidelines to concentrate on the central shark threat.

8. Conclusion: Evaluating the Book and Movie

Andrew and Craig conclude by acknowledging that while the "Jaws" movie remains a cinematic masterpiece with its suspenseful storytelling and memorable score, the novel offers a richer, albeit more cluttered, exploration of character and societal themes. Craig states, “You could not have a bad time watching Jaws...” (79:28), recommending the movie as an essential viewing experience, while also appreciating the novel for its depth and complexity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andrew [18:54]: “I could never demonize an animal... vitally necessary for the balance of nature...”
• Craig [52:55]: “The shark is causing the 70s... revealing all of the fault lines of this community”
• Andrew [19:41]: “There are like, two dozen shark attacks a year and, like, two fatalities every two years”
• Craig [58:08]: “But they are like subreddits organized around this sort of thing”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Overdue offers an insightful comparative analysis of Peter Benchley’s "Jaws" and its film adaptation, shedding light on the cultural and environmental ramifications of both. For fans of literature and cinema alike, Andrew and Craig provide a nuanced perspective that encourages a deeper appreciation of the source material behind one of the most influential horror stories of the 20th century.

For those interested in exploring the intricate layers of "Jaws" beyond the blockbuster film, this episode is a must-listen. It not only revisits a classic tale of terror but also engages with its lasting impact on society’s view of nature and wildlife.