An Actors Life on the set of Jaws and Beyond
If you haven’t watched Jaws, you haven’t lived! I’m a 70s child and it’s one of those films that is a regular watch. I didn’t know much about the life and times of Robert Shaw, so this book intrigued me. As we reach the 50-year anniversary of the ‘Jaws’ movie, it is a prime time for this book.
The book is written well and and keeps your attention. It’s split into years of the Shaw family life. Every chapter serves up information that makes sense of the man that Robert Shaw was. We learn about his parents and the life they led. We learn about his siblings and their relationships. We learn about his love for acting along with the successes and failures along the way.
The book delves into his early years, from his childhood in London to life on the remote, rugged Orkney Islands with a strict mother, a doctor father, and several siblings. His sister Joey (Joanna) was particularly close to both Robert and the author’s mother.
Shaw’s journey through RADA, his rise in theatre, and his work as a playwright all highlight his undeniable talent. He thrived in the spotlight, using his sharp wit and brash personality to full effect.
A part of the book was naturally devoted to the the chaotic filming of “Jaws”, especially the infamous USS Indianapolis monologue. The story of Shaw and a similarly inebriated Thornton Wilder hashing out the speech in a bar on Martha’s Vineyard is both fascinating and fitting. Alcohol loomed large in Shaw’s life. The memoir frequently references his reliance on drinking, including Shaw’s own words: “I need it to act.”
Overall, it’s a riveting read. From chapter one where the opening line is “Mrs Shaw, did you murder your husband?” – you know you’re in for a wild ride. The book shares life, love, movies, plays and behind the scenes moments that are precious memories. That’s not forgetting the stories of how Robert’s mum and sister met Richard Dreyfus and Roy Scheider.
Many thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read it!
