It is widely accepted by film buffs andlaypeoplealike that Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is one of the greatest thrillers of all time. It managed to pave the way for the modern blockbuster and continues to detract generations of viewers from ever entering a body of water - an indicator of true cinematicsuccess.
But while its menacing soundtrack and iconic poster image have become ingrained in our collective subconscious, thefilm’s exceptional fashion is rarely opined.It’s understandable why – Jaws doesn’t exactly exudeglamour. But it is for that exact reason that we hold it in such high regard as sartorial stimulus. A lack of pretension and a rugged cool permeate the film’s costuming in such an unassuming way that it’s easy to miss, but pay close attention and you’ll encounter some of the best summer style cinema has seen.
Each of the film’s three male protagonistssportsdistinct styles in line with their characterisation, but of particular note is the wardrobe of police chief Martin Brody, played by Roy Scheider. He’s confident but not cocky, heroic but humble, and his outfitting reflects this in spades. For the first half of the film he is seen in little other than his police uniform – a khaki shirt and shorts combo and navy windbreaker – that is so unremarkable it could be considered anti-fashion, yet he somehow pulls it off with aplomb, his badge and buttons giving off military vibes and lending him an understated authoritative edge.
