The Shocking Theory Behind the Shooting Stars in Jaws: Why it Will Make You Want to Phone Home!
“Jaws,” the 1975 thriller directed by Steven Spielberg, has captivated audiences for decades with its gripping storytelling and unforgettable scenes. Among these memorable moments is the scene in which Chief Brody, Hooper, and Quint are on the boat, exchanging stories about their scars. During the conversation, Quint mentions that he was on the USS Indianapolis when it went down and described the horrific aftermath of the attack. As he tells the story, he says, “Sometimes, that shark, he looks right into you, right into your eyes, and you know the thing about a shark, he’s got… lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll’s eyes.”
But it’s not just Quint’s chilling tale that has captured viewers’ attention over the years. It’s also the shooting stars that appear in the sky above them. Some fans have speculated that these shooting stars were not just a part of the scene’s aesthetics but were actually a subtle reference to Spielberg’s future film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” which was released six years later in 1982.
In “E.T.,” the titular alien points to the sky while using his communicator to contact his home planet, saying he’s trying to “phone home.” During this scene, several shooting stars can be seen in the sky, similar to those in “Jaws.” Some viewers believe this connection between the two films was intentional on Spielberg’s part and serves as a small but meaningful piece of film history.
While Spielberg himself has not confirmed this theory, the idea of a hidden reference between the two films is an intriguing possibility. Spielberg is known for his attention to detail and ability to weave small elements into his films to create a larger narrative universe. The shooting stars in “Jaws” and “E.T.” could be seen as an example of this style of storytelling.
Additionally, the connection between “Jaws” and “E.T.” may not be as tenuous as it seems. Both films share a common thread of humanity overcoming fear and finding hope in unexpected places. This common theme serves as a reminder of Spielberg’s unique storytelling style, which has resonated with audiences for generations.
While the connection between the shooting stars in “Jaws” and “E.T.” remains a matter of viewer speculation, it represents the enduring impact of Spielberg’s work on popular culture. Whether intentional or not, the shooting stars serve as a small but memorable piece of film history and a testament to Spielberg’s ability to craft intricate narratives across multiple films.
