In our debut episode, we unpack the deeper meaning behind Jaws — the film that invented the summer blockbuster and still haunts our cultural imagination.

We explore Spielberg’s iconic parallax shot (the dolly zoom on Chief Brody), how the shark functions as a mythic Leviathan, and why Jaws is less about the ocean... and more about fear, masculinity, chaos, and control.

Hosted by Rory, a filmmaker and storyteller, and Curt, a movie and board game lover. We're both young fathers who grew up watching movies. Reel Meaning is a podcast about the symbols, myths, and truths hidden beneath the stories that shape us.

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Disclaimer: All film clips used in this video are the property of their respective copyright holders. We do not claim ownership. These clips are included under Fair Use for the purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. Jaws (1975) is directed by Steven Spielberg and owned by Universal Pictures.