Where Does "Jaws" Take Place?
The iconic 1975 thriller "Jaws" is set primarily on the fictional island of Amity, a summer resort community off the East Coast of the United States. The story unfolds over a few weeks during the peak tourist season, highlighting the impact of a man-eating great white shark on the island's inhabitants and economy.
Amity Island: The Fictional Setting
Amity Island was created by author Peter Benchley for his 1974 novel, which was later adapted into the blockbuster film. The island is loosely based on the Long Island community of East Hampton, where Benchley spent his summers as a child. However, Amity is not a real place, and its exact location is never specified in the book or movie.
In the story, Amity is portrayed as a close-knit community with a population of about 2,500 people. It relies heavily on tourism for its economy, with beaches being the main attraction. The island has a small-town feel, with residents knowing each other intimately, which adds to the tension when the shark attacks begin.
Key Locations in "Jaws"
- Amity Beach: The primary setting for many of the shark attacks, Amity Beach is the heart of the island's tourist industry. It's where the first victim, Chrissie Watkins, is killed, and where the climactic battle between the shark and the three protagonists takes place.
- Amity Police Station: The workplace of Chief Martin Brody, the police station serves as a hub for the characters and the plot. It's where Brody first learns about the shark attacks and where he coordinates the efforts to catch the beast.
- The Orca: The fishing boat owned by Quint, one of the main characters, plays a crucial role in the film. It's from this boat that Quint, Brody, and Hooper set out to hunt the shark, and where the final showdown occurs.
Real-Location Filming
Although "Jaws" is set on a fictional island, much of the film was shot on location in Martha's Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts. The town of Edgartown served as the inspiration for Amity, with many scenes shot there and in the surrounding areas. The iconic lighthouse seen in the film is the Edgartown Lighthouse, and the beach where the shark attacks occur is a combination of South Beach and the beach in front of the Sea View Inn.
The film's production team also used the island of Nantucket for some scenes. The scene where Brody's son, Michael, is nearly attacked by the shark was filmed at Steps Beach in Nantucket.
Impact on Tourism
The release of "Jaws" had a significant impact on the tourism industry, particularly in the areas where it was filmed. While the film is a thriller about a man-eating shark, it also showcases the beauty of the East Coast's beaches and islands. As a result, many people were drawn to visit these locations after seeing the film.
However, the film also sparked a temporary decrease in beach attendance due to fears of shark attacks. Despite this initial reaction, the long-term effect of "Jaws" on tourism has been largely positive, with many people still drawn to the beautiful beaches and islands featured in the film.
