'Jaws' (1975) - Film Review

Figure 1: Jaws (1975) [original poster]

This review analyses Steven Spielberg’s well-known horror mystery film Jaws (1975), explicitly focusing on Vladimir Propp’s theory of archetypes and how this relates to the character of Mayor Larry Vaughn, while also comparing his character to Carl Jung’s theory of archetype and what category he falls into. Referring to the work of Exploring Your Mind’s article on ‘The Shadow Archetype – The Dark Side of Your Psyche’ (2018) explaining the shadow archetype within Jung’s theory, Kendall Cromartie’s writings ‘Unlocking The Real Evil Within 'Jaws'’ (2018), Kit Clattery’s work entitled ‘A Scholarly Look at the True Villain of Jaws (hint: it's not Jaws) - Shark Week’ (2012), Rory Dean’s look into ‘Jaws (1975)’ (2010), John Cal McCormick’s ‘Cinema’s Ultimate Jerks #6: Larry Vaughn (Jaws)’, and Kendra Cherry’s ‘What Are the Jungian Archetypes?’ (2018) exploring the different types of archetypes within Jung’s theory. The review will explain both Propp’s and Jung’s theory of archetypes and how the character of Mayor Larry Vaughn can be applied to one of the archetypes within the theories.

Jaws begins with a young woman who is killed by a shark, leading to the chief of police Brody investigating the whereabouts of the shark and how they can stop this happening again. This plan is not aided when the Mayor Larry Vaughn refuses to close the beach as it brings in money to the island, resulting in multiple citizen deaths.

Vladimir Propp theory of archetypes is a system created to categorize characters within narratives, with each of the twelve archetypes containing their own traits that are usually stereotypes of that archetype. An example of this would be the hero archetype which is stereotypically seen to be a determined protective individual.

In terms of Jaws (1975) “nearly all the familiar archetypes make an appearance” (Clattery, K. (2012)) Most archetypes are depicted within the film, including the villain archetype. Taking this into consideration the first instinct is to pin point Bruce the shark as the villain. However, it can be argued that there are two villains within the film. “In the case of Jaws, the shark, “Bruce”, although named after Spielberg’s lawyer, cannot really be the villain here. He’s just hungry, and the humans came into his home to begin with.” (Cromartie, K. (2018))” Larry the mayor of Amity Island fits into this archetype in different ways. 

Figure 2: Mayor Larry Vaughn convincing the hero to not close the beaches - Waldron, K. (2015)

The villain archetype seeks to go against the hero archetype (in this case Brody). This is evident as there is a clear feud between the two over closing the beach. (see fig 2) Within the film Larry wants to keep the beach open despite the recent shark attacks. He displays a disinterest within the people best interest, allowing the audience to witness his narrow mindedness. “This toupee-sporting villain is named Larry Vaughn, mayor of “shark city”, and he wants those beaches open no matter the cost.” (Cromartie, K. (2018)) His reasoning behind mainly revolves around selfish reasons, focusing on the money aspect of the island, and the money the beach brings in. “Vaughn is a corrupt politician masquerading as a man of reason, valuing profit over the sanctity of fish life. (Clattery, K. (2012))”

Larry can also be considered to fit within the trickster/shapeshifter archetype from props theory.  “The only character that assumes the mask of the shapeshifter would be Mayor Vaughn.” (Dean, R. (2010)) This could be arguably symbolised by his outrageous choice of elaborate suits, that he uses as a mask to his unnerving fear of the future. (see fig 3)

Figure 3: Mayor Larry Vaughn lying to the cameras and public while wearing a bold suit, making his insecurities - WSMH19 News Team. (2017)

The shapeshifter is usually part of the hero's journey another part of props theory. That forces on the different aspects of the hero's role within the film. Larry embodies the reluctance that Brody feels inside within the film, this is shown through Larry’s lack of knowledge on how to do his job, where he fails to protect the people. The trickster is also known to mess with the hero's plans, which is shown by his instance on the beaches staying open, getting in the way of Brody’s duties, and making his job much harder by giving them 24 hours to defeat the shark. (Dean, R. (2010))

Viewers are clearly able to distinguish the genuine altruism of the town chief of police from the mayor, though they are both key persons in power. Chief Brody is an instantly likable character from the moment he hits the screen, while the problematic nature of the mayor is revealed as events progress. (Cromartie, K. (2018))

However, Larry can also be put into the archetypes within Carl Jung's theory.  Jung's theory focuses on the archetypes that we as a species all share. This can be divided into the main four archetypes the anima/animus, the self, the persona and the shadow. (see fig 4)

Figure 4: Jung’s Archetypes - Cherry, K. (2018)

The shadow archetype refers to a sensation of internal conflict that you experience. This is usually found when you are frustrated, sacred, angry, or insecure. (Exploring Your Mind. (2018)) As a shadow character, Vaughn’s disregard for human life and his direct hindrance to Brody make him a sinister force.  He is also responsible for goading the people into the water before the last beach death occurs.  (Dean, R. (2010)).

Not only is he the shadow archetype within the overall film, but we as the audience are able to watch his shadow archetype take over, when he witnesses a death and begins to reason with himself, having an internal conflict. “After seeing a man eaten alive on the Fourth of July — he is already muttering excuses to himself and trying to find a way to avoid blame” (Cromartie, K. (2018))

This concept of a political character of power, having control in a way in which causes a conflict between what's best for the people, and their needs of keeping their seat in power, and containing money is a now a very common villain trope within the film. “This villain formula translates over to countless other creature-features, and, as Kevin Maher so accurately points out, almost every shark movie to date. This corrupt public servant creeps into films like Jaws because the filmmakers know there is nothing scarier than someone in a position of power who refuses to do what’s right to protect the people underneath him.” (Cromartie, K. (2018))

To conclude, Larry clearly displays attributes of the shadow archetype within Jung’s theory and both the Villain and Trickster archetype within Propps theory. This is clearly shown through both his actions and his personality toward the other characters within the film, such as stopping Brody’s hero quest by demanding to keep the beaches open, even though the will cause others harm.

Bibliography

Exploring Your Mind. (2018). The Shadow Archetype – The Dark Side of Your Psyche. Available: https://exploringyourmind.com/shadow-archetype-dark-side-psyche/  Last accessed 26/02/2019.

Cromartie, K. (2018). Unlocking The Real Evil Within 'Jaws'. Available: https://filmschoolrejects.com/evil-within-jaws/  Last accessed 26/02/2019.

Clattery, K. (2012). A Scholarly Look at the True Villain of Jaws (hint: it's not Jaws) - Shark Week. Available: http://www.btrtoday.com/read/monday-shark-week/  Last accessed 26/02/2019.

Dean, R. (2010). Jaws (1975). Available: https://rorydean.wordpress.com/2010/05/18/jaws-1975/  Last accessed 26/02/2019.

McCormick, J. (2018). Cinema’s Ultimate Jerks #6: Larry Vaughn (Jaws). Available: https://www.goombastomp.com/cuj-larry-vaughn/  Last accessed 26/02/2019.

Cherry, K. (2018). The 4 Major Jungian Archetypes. Available: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-jungs-4-major-archetypes-2795439  Last accessed 26/02/2019.

Harvard Illustrations

Figure 1: Jaws (1975) [Original Poster] - Lussier, G. (2014). The Original ‘Jaws’ Poster Art Has Been Missing For Decades. Available: https://www.slashfilm.com/original-jaws-poster-art-missing/. Last accessed 26/02/2019.

Figure 2: Mayor Larry Vaughn convincing the hero to not close the beaches - Waldron, K. (2015). #291 Eden Lake (2008). Available: https://superkents9deuce.blogspot.com/2015/10/?view=sidebar  Last accessed 14/02/2019.

Figure 3: Mayor Larry Vaughn lying to the cameras and public - WSMH19 News Team. (2017). Mayor Larry Vaughn Declares Amity Island A Safe Sanctuary City. Available: https://www.wsmh19.com/mayor-larry-vaughn-declares-amity-island-sanctuary-city/  Last accessed 14/02/2019.

Figure 4: Jung’s Archetypes - Cherry, K. (2018). The 4 Major Jungian Archetypes. Available: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-jungs-4-major-archetypes-2795439 Last accessed 14/02/2019.