In this episode of The Daily Jaws 50th anniversary series, Ross Williams is joined by one of the UK’s most respected film writers, Ian Nathan. Former editor of Empire magazine, creator of acclaimed behind-the-scenes documentaries and author of numerous books including Steven Spielberg: The Iconic Filmmaker and His Work, Ian has spent his career exploring the craft and legacy of cinema’s greatest storytellers. Few know Spielberg’s work — and Jaws — as well as he does.

Ross and Ian talk about the moment he first saw Jaws on VHS and why it changed the way he thought about films, the human drama that makes Brody, Quint and Hooper just as compelling as the shark itself, and how the chaos of the Martha’s Vineyard shoot forced Spielberg to rely on instinct and, in the process, create a masterpiece. They explore the underrated presence of Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody, the legacy and limitations of the sequels, and the place of shark cinema in the fifty years since. Ian also shares his favourite shots, his thoughts on which victim he would save, and whether they really did need a bigger boat.

And just when Ian thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law

Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.

In proud support of:

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)

Tourettes Foundation of America