Smells Like Fish: Jaws at 30 Edition

Last week the Imperial March and Star Wars Themes were at audible hum all around the hub as movie goers watched the final installment of the Star Wars prequel series. Rumors have been floating around about Lucas’ possible intentions to develop the prequel’s prequel. The buzz this week has shifted (or taken the ferry) to another John Williams score: the theme to Jaws. JawsFest was hosted by Martha’s Vineyard over the weekend celebrated the 30th anniversary of the release of Jaws, the movie which made the Vineyard into Amity Island and home to Bruce, the mechanical great white. Following around a replica of the mechanical shark were not only fans but rumors. Today Bostonist has heard not only about a Lucas prequel but a Speilberg sequel. Bostonist doesn’t usually listen to Hollywood gossip. In the rare case movie gossip involves the Bay State we like to think it might be true. We’re really looking forward to a Jaws 5, though we could just be dissapointed to learn that we saw it last year.

The AP wrap-up of the weekend’s activities heralds the 30 year life span of the original Jaws as outstanding and the island fanfare this weekend as surprising to some of the films creators in attendance. They identify the film as being the first true Hollywood blockbuster, pulling in more than $100 Million in box office revenue. Jaws was the breakout film for Steven Spielberg, before Star Wars, before E.T. In an interview with the Martha’s Vineyard Times he spoke about his affection for the island, it’s inhabitants and part-time celebrity residents. Identifying George Lucas as the one who brought him back to the Vineyard after the long production makes Bostonist wonders about the connection to John Williams. Better yet, in the climate of remakes and sequels when will we get a Gidget Goes to the Vineyard?