11 Reshoots That Actually Improved Movies

7. Jaws

Mad Max Fury Road
Universal Pictures

The Reshoot: The Jaws set was plagued with a ton of issues, first and foremost that the mechanical shark props weren't convincing on-screen and ended up looking silly.

After reviewing footage and test screening it to an audience, Spielberg realised that the more minimalist, restrained moments with the shark's presence merely implied proved more terrifying, and leaned into this. He ended up replacing clumsy "money shots" of the shark with more subtly suspenseful images that didn't need a ridiculous-looking dummy shark in the frame (such as the shark's mere fin appearing out of the water).

How It Improved The Movie: Spielberg really said it best himself: "The film went from a Japanese Saturday matinee horror flick to more of a Hitchcock, the less-you-see-the-more-you-get thriller."

The rest is history: the movie, which was already massively over-budget and had Universal executives extremely concerned, was a huge hit and became the quintessential Hollywood blockbuster.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.