When we think of Jaws (1975), the first thing that comes to mind is likely the terrifying image of a massive great white shark stalking the shores of Amity Island. But what if I told you that some of the film’s imperfections actually elevate its status as one of the greatest movies of all time? Despite its occasional bloopers, Jaws is a perfect example of how mistakes and unpolished moments can contribute to a movie’s charm, storytelling power, and legacy. In fact, those little flaws are what make Jaws a masterclass in filmmaking.

Embracing Imperfection: Why Jaws Still Works

It’s hard to imagine a film as iconic as Jaws containing imperfections, but that’s precisely what makes it so enduring. Mistakes—whether they’re continuity errors or technical glitches—are part of the fabric of the film. Instead of detracting from the movie’s impact, these imperfections actually enhance the viewing experience. Just like those unexpected moments in life that leave us laughing or thinking, the tiny glitches in Jaws serve as a reminder of the film’s raw, authentic nature. They connect us to the time and place of its making: the 1970s, when filmmakers didn’t have the luxury of digital editing to fix every little mistake.

A Shark’s Appearance and Quint’s Drawing: The Vanishing Image

One of the most amusing and famous errors in Jaws occurs early on during the town meeting. Quint’s introduction, a scene where he makes his memorable “nails-down-the-blackboard” entrance, is full of tension. As the camera glides across the room, it comes to rest on a blackboard, which features a crude drawing of a shark. However, just a few minutes earlier, during a lighter discussion about the bounty for the shark, the blackboard is clean, free of any shark drawings. Did Quint really add that picture while everyone was distracted? Probably not. But does it matter? Not really. It’s a small detail that has become part of the movie’s quirky charm.

The lack of continuity in this moment might seem like a mistake, but it’s more about capturing the spirit of the time. Filmmakers had to work fast and couldn’t always reshoot scenes, so sometimes things just slipped through. And honestly, these little oddities only add to the film’s authenticity.

The Coroner’s Office Blunder: Moving the Plot Along

Another moment that speaks to Jaws’ imperfections occurs in the scene at the coroner’s office, where Hooper examines the remains of Chrissie Watkins, the first shark victim. Hooper lifts one of her arms and says, “This is what happens,” but then—cut—he’s doing something entirely different, and the moment feels jarring. Why the abrupt change? It’s likely just a case of filmmakers wanting to move the plot along quickly, rather than focusing on every minute detail. This sort of “get to the action” approach is something Spielberg would refine later, but it’s still a fascinating glimpse into his early career.

The Mystery of the Vanishing Chair on the Orca

One of the most talked-about continuity errors in Jaws involves a sport fishing chair on the deck of the Orca. At the beginning of the movie, this chair is bolted securely in place, but by the end, it’s completely gone. At first, this might seem like an oversight—how could anyone miss something as big as a chair? But if you think about it, the chair’s disappearance actually makes sense. It’s no longer needed for the narrative, and its removal could be a way of simplifying the scene for the actors’ movements. Whether intentional or not, the vanishing chair adds another layer to Jaws’s enigmatic style, emphasizing how the narrative can thrive even in the absence of perfection.

The Impact of Imperfections: Enhancing the Viewing Experience

You might be wondering: why does any of this matter? In an era where films are expected to be flawlessly polished, it’s easy to overlook the beauty of imperfection. However, these “mistakes” in Jaws serve a larger purpose: they contribute to the film’s sense of authenticity. By embracing these glitches, Spielberg and his team proved that a film doesn’t need to be perfect to be profound. The shark may not look entirely real, the chair may vanish, and the continuity might falter, but the film still delivers an experience that transcends the sum of its parts.

As audiences, we are willing to suspend our disbelief when the story is compelling enough, and Jaws is a masterclass in storytelling. The film’s imperfections don’t detract from its impact; instead, they invite us to dive deeper into its world. When a mistake happens, we don’t mind—after all, life itself isn’t perfect. This acceptance of imperfection is one of the reasons Jaws remains as powerful and enduring as it is today.

The Legacy of Jaws: Imperfection as Art

There’s a tendency in modern filmmaking to strive for perfection. With CGI technology and digital editing, directors can fix almost any issue, but this has led to a sense of clinical precision that sometimes feels soulless. Compare this to Jaws, where every “mistake” adds personality to the movie. The quirky, unpolished moments—whether they’re continuity errors or practical effects glitches—allow the film to retain a raw, human element. It’s not trying to be perfect; it’s trying to tell a great story, and that’s what makes it stand the test of time.

Conclusion: The Perfection of Imperfection

At its core, Jaws is not just a story about a shark terrorizing a small town. It’s a film about overcoming fear, confronting the unknown, and making the most of what you have. The imperfections that exist within Jaws—from continuity errors to prop disappearances—only enhance its authenticity, making it feel grounded in reality. These “flaws” prove that perfection isn’t necessary to create something timeless. Sometimes, the beauty lies in the moments that aren’t quite right but still resonate deeply with the audience.

In the end, Jaws teaches us an important lesson: it’s not about striving for flawless execution, but about embracing the imperfections that make a story feel real. And that’s why, even with its bloopers, Jaws remains one of the greatest films ever made.