‘I thought my career was practically over’: Nobody believed Steven Spielberg halfway through making this iconic film

Jaws, a huge critical and commercial success released in French cinemas in 1976, is the film that launched Steven Spielberg’s incredible career. However, the filming of this classic of the seventh art was particularly chaotic, to the point that absolutely no one believed in the future of the young filmmaker, then 26 years old.

Last month, Spielberg was at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles for an exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws (a film with which Alexander Astaire has a special relationship). The exhibition will last until July 26 and includes more than 200 objects Thriller Scary-watery… which could have been his last film as a director! “I thought my career was practically over because we were halfway through filming and everyone was telling me they would never hire me again.”Spielberg states directly The comment was reported by the Variety site.

“I thought it was going to be great, but little did I know that once you go up against Mother Nature, everything starts to conspire against you.”Continues the filmmaker, whose animatronic shark didn’t work perfectly, and besides, he had to do a lot of rewriting and the crew got seasick. “The film was delayed by 100 days. We shot for 158 days, but nobody wanted to give up.”

“The ultimate proof that teamwork makes you successful”

If Jaws saw the light of day, against all odds (it fits), it is thanks to the solidarity of the film’s team. “The camaraderie that comes from just trying to save something brings us all closer together.”Spielberg concludes, very grateful. “I’ve never been so close to a crew or cast in years. What I experienced was the ultimate proof that teamwork makes you successful. I’m very proud of Jaws. Of course, it cost me a lot, but it’s a movie that gave my career a huge boost.”

“Jaws” trailer: