The first in a new series about classic filmmaking and filmmakers—With a new introduction and afterword, the only book on the making of Steven Spielberg's classic film, backed by new raves from Pauline Kael, Peter Biskind, Bryan Singer, and Rob Reiner, among others! This compelling insider's story of how the famous director, at age 26, made the movie that made film history is revived to coincide with Universal Pictures 25th Anniversary DVD Collector's Edition launch. Hired by Spielberg as a screenwriter to work with him on the set, Gottlieb chronicled the extraordinary year-long adventure of how Benchley's #1 bestselling novel was transformed into the movie that won three Oscars® and became the highest grossing film of that time. First published in 1975, The Jaws Log generated 17 printings and sold over 2 million copies. This new edition includes a photo section, a new introduction by Benchley and a lengthy author's afterword with updates on the people and events involved in the film.
| |||||||||||||||
Book Description
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Product Description
From Library Journal
In 1975, a film by a young, unknown director based on a best-selling novel by an equally unknown author scared the world half to death and completely out of the water. Although the novel might have been the ultimate beach read, no one sitting near the surf while devouring its pages would even think about putting as much as one toe in the water; after seeing the film, they stopped going to the beach altogether. The film, of course, was Jaws, which became the first blockbuster ever to gross over $1 million and catapulted Stephen Spielberg and the Great White Shark into the public eye. Though Jaws is perfection on film, bringing the story to the screen was a series of disasters and mishaps in which everything that could have gone wrong did at least once. Gottlieb, who wrote the screenplay and appears briefly in the film as the newspaper editor Meadows, chronicles the making of the film in this 1976 volume. Jaws buffs, film students, and anyone interested in the motion picture business will enjoy this firsthand look at the process of making a difficult film. Essential for film collections.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
The Jaws Log is an easy read, but energizing and with some of the zest of the movie. -- Pauline Kael
The Jaws Log is to this day my favorite piece of making-of material. It's like a little movie director bible. -- Bryan Singer, director of The Usual Suspects and X-Men
Gottlieb's behind-the-scene account of the production is riveting. -- Peter Biskind, author of Easy Riders, Raging Bulls
[A]rtful, detailed, and very funny account...not only entertaining and insightful, but truly enhances one's appreciation of a remarkable filmmaker's achievement. -- Rob Reiner, director of A Few Good Men and When Harry Met Sally
[R]ich...in detail about the movie business in general and about the appalling odds and apparently insurmountable obstacles. -- Peter Benchley, author of Jaws
The Jaws Log is to this day my favorite piece of making-of material. It's like a little movie director bible. -- Bryan Singer, director of The Usual Suspects and X-Men
Gottlieb's behind-the-scene account of the production is riveting. -- Peter Biskind, author of Easy Riders, Raging Bulls
[A]rtful, detailed, and very funny account...not only entertaining and insightful, but truly enhances one's appreciation of a remarkable filmmaker's achievement. -- Rob Reiner, director of A Few Good Men and When Harry Met Sally
[R]ich...in detail about the movie business in general and about the appalling odds and apparently insurmountable obstacles. -- Peter Benchley, author of Jaws
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I am a great fan of "Jaws" since it scared me when I was seven years old and it never lost it's fascination for me. I am also a great fan of all the works of Steven Spielberg, so I had to have that book.
It provides a very interesting and sweet insight into the hardships, troubles and sheer unsurmountable problems that make it almost unbelievable what a brilliant film came out of all that turmoil. The book is more concentrated on the personal and human stories. I miss a more technical insight. The filmmaking aspect is not so much described. I would have liked to read something about the way Spielberg directed the actors and Bruce the shark, of course. I would have liked to have known something about the camerawork, the editing of Mother Cutter, Verna Fields and all the other filmmaking departments. With all the little anecdotes about personal animosities or friendships, the author forgot to mention the basic, pure filmmaking process. But maybe it is to boring for filmmakers, or to embarrassing to talk about that.
It provides a very interesting and sweet insight into the hardships, troubles and sheer unsurmountable problems that make it almost unbelievable what a brilliant film came out of all that turmoil. The book is more concentrated on the personal and human stories. I miss a more technical insight. The filmmaking aspect is not so much described. I would have liked to read something about the way Spielberg directed the actors and Bruce the shark, of course. I would have liked to have known something about the camerawork, the editing of Mother Cutter, Verna Fields and all the other filmmaking departments. With all the little anecdotes about personal animosities or friendships, the author forgot to mention the basic, pure filmmaking process. But maybe it is to boring for filmmakers, or to embarrassing to talk about that.
All in all: I recommend this to anybody who has something to do with film. Whenever you have problems and trouble on a set, read it. You will wear a smile again and know, that nothing can come as bad as the shooting of Jaws. - And that the worst of all circumstances on set can sometimes make the best of all films.
Format:Paperback
For 'Jaws' addicts like myself, this book truly allows us to experience the sheer beauty of the making of the best man vs. fish story ever told. Gottlieb tells a rollicking tale and his afterword - written from the vantage point of 25 years - is wonderful, wonderful stuff. So turn on the John Williams music, set your DVD to a low rumble in the background, crack open this book and "farewell & adieu to you fair Spanish ladies . . ."
Format:Paperback
Carl Gottlieb's book is a fascinating account of all that went on during the troubled production of Jaws is a well-illistrated account concerning all areas of production from the early begginings with Peter Benchley's screenplay to the film's worlwide box-office success. Originally written and released in 1976, this is one of those film books that instead of simply stating facts, also contains a wealth of info that makes it an enjoyable read. There are some audacious anecdotes about the clashes between the director, the stars and "Bruce", the shark that never worked. With candid opinions and numerous interesting details about the production, this book is a must-have for fans of Spielberg.
Want to see more reviews on this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 6 reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the long wait
Gottleib gives a witty and insightful insider's account of the agonizingly protracted shooting schedule that produced one of the greatest films in history! Read more
Published on Oct 30 2001 by John S. Harris
3.0 out of 5 stars
You're gonna need a bigger book
JAWS established a very real fear in ocean swimming.
JAWS also established a new quality of filmmaker in Steven Spielberg.
Yes, JAWS is a great film that surpassed its hype. Read more
Published on Sep 13 2001 by GLENN WHELAN
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
