Jaws (1975)
Dreyfuss hit national recognition just two years on from American Graffiti in arguably the first summer ‘blockbuster’ in cinematic history, Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. Whilst Roy Scheider’s Brody was the main character, and Robert Shaw’s Quint was afforded the memorable lines, it is Dreyfuss’s shark expert Hooper that offers the most interesting character.
An intelligent young man from a rich family, Hooper follows his passion, studying sharks, following an encounter with one as a child. He finances his own work, and has a lot of enthusiasm. Dreyfuss infuses Hooper with an easy charm, whilst hinting at darker forces at work within his psyche. Having lead a privileged life, Hooper is frustrated when Mayor Vaughn shrugs off his warnings, and his anger starts to shine through as salty seadog Quint questions his toughness.
Dreyfuss manages to balance the various facets of Hooper’s personality perfectly, a man with a clear passion for his work and an innate need to be taken seriously in it.
