Title: “The Shark is Broken”: A Theatrical Tribute to the Turbulent Making of “Jaws”
Date: October 15, 2021
Off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard in 1974, the production of the iconic movie “Jaws” faced repeated delays due to the unpredictable behavior of its star – Bruce. However, in this case, Bruce wasn’t a temperamental actor but rather the name given to three mechanical sharks used to portray the menacing great white shark. As each mechanical predator encountered various issues such as sinking, getting entangled in seaweed, or malfunctioning due to saltwater, the crew humorously dubbed the film “Flaws.” But it wasn’t just the mechanical sharks that proved difficult; the human stars of the film faced their own challenges.
Aboard the Orca, the lobster boat central to “Jaws,” actors Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider frequently bickered, brawled, and endured seasickness, reflecting the tempestuous nature of their mechanical co-stars. These behind-the-scenes anecdotes come to life in “The Shark Is Broken,” a play that offers a glimpse into the tumultuous “Jaws” shoot. Opening at the Golden Theater, the production features meticulous attention to detail, including a perfect replica of the Orca, accurate costumes, and even a hat-tip to John Williams’ famous theme.
However, while the play successfully recreates the atmosphere of the “Jaws” shoot, it falls short in terms of creating compelling drama. With a plot centered around the concept of hurry-up-and-wait, “The Shark Is Broken” lacks a sense of urgency. Despite this minor flaw, the play’s meta-story introduces a more intriguing element. Ian Shaw, son of the late Robert Shaw who played Quint in “Jaws,” portrays his own father in the play. This father-son dynamic adds depth and tension to the narrative, echoing the story of a father’s success overshadowing his son’s achievements.
Directed by Guy Masterson, the play offers a complex portrayal of the complicated relationship between a successful parent and his aspiring offspring. Although the staging may lack urgency at times, it serves as a loving and somewhat complicated tribute to a talented actor who achieved greatness within the same industry.
Notably, the inclusion of iconic scenes from “Jaws” adds further emotional resonance to the production. The reenactment of Quint’s chilling “U.S.S. Indianapolis” monologue and the recital of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 29 provide powerful moments of reflection and insight into the characters’ psyches. However, some of the dialogue feels forced, as the play attempts to blend humor and introspection by referencing iconic figures and injecting political commentary.
While the personal struggles and conflicts of Dreyfuss and Scheider’s characters are overshadowed by Robert Shaw’s dominant presence, they contribute thematically to the play’s exploration of father-son dynamics. Dreyfuss’s portrayal of Hooper, a neurotic marine biologist, highlights the character’s anxiety-ridden nature, while Scheider’s character confronts memories of his father’s abusive behavior. The narrative successfully showcases the tangled emotional journeys of all the characters, albeit with varying degrees of depth.
In the overarching narrative, the play ultimately echoes its cinematic inspiration by emphasizing the significance of the shark itself. Just as “Jaws” centers around a predatory shark, “The Shark Is Broken” delves into the primal instincts and familial conflicts lurking beneath the surface. This summer production on Broadway manages to captivate and entertain audiences as it humanizes the mechanical sharks, reminding us that sometimes the most fascinating predators are the ones with human flaws.
“The Shark Is Broken” runs at the Golden Theater in Manhattan until November 19, 2021, offering a 95-minute journey into the troubled making of “Jaws” and the complex relationships among its cast and crew.