JAWS: Book vs Movie

I can't remember the first time I saw Jaws.  I do remember it was at a very young age.  The film was a favorite of mine when I was a younger man browsing the video stores of my town.  I swear that I rented that film a dozen or so times in the late eighties and early nineties.  There are so many vivid scenes that stand out in my mind.  Scenes that we stick me even if I never, ever watch the movie again.  The first scene with the first victim; how she swam out into the dark ocean, carefree and adventurous.  Nobody except her unconscious boyfriend knew she was out there.  All of a sudden there's a tug from beneath the waters.  Her expression terrified me.  Her jutting gasps of air still ring in my ears to this day.  Then, she's gone.  The last shot lingers on the cold, dark water.

I was scared shitless. 

Quint's death has never left my mind either.  One of my favorite scenes in film history.  The shark launches itself onto the boat, and chomps down into Quint's abdomen.  The agonizing screams, the panic.  He fights to no avail.  The way he's taken under; arms sprawled and descending down into the murky, mysterious waters.  

Okay, enough gushing!  Back on topic.

I just finished the book last week.  I was so excited to see what the source material had to offer.  I knew going in that there were some differences.  I was curious about those differences.  The film omits much that the book offers to the reader.  Give the producers of Jaws credit for cutting out the dramatic stuff.  They wanted an adventure story straight through.  None of this mafia business with Mayor Larry Vaughn.  The affair with Brody's wife, Helen, and the handsome Matthew Hooper is a glaring, but appropriate omission from the film.  Helen's character is like night and day.  She's much more prominent in the book.  In the film she's not nearly as important. 

The Shark

Let's start there.  He's the central character in the book and film.  Reading Peter Benchley's description of the shark made me feel, at times, like I was reading an academic book about sharks.  He admits having an immense interest with the animals and studies them vigorously.  His passion for sharks certainly seeps through the pages.  The shark is portrayed as a mindless killing machine, same as in the film.  The shark, although mindless, definitely has an agenda.  He won't go away.  The impulse to feed is unbearable.  The victims grow in numbers. Those damned beaches of Amity.  He's a monster so huge, that even God himself is saying, "What did I create?"

Because of mechanical malfunctions the mechanical shark didn't always work for Spielberg on set.  Verna Fields had the intuition to deliberately give the shark less screen time, thus amping up the scares for the unknown, unseen horror.  It worked well.  If you would see the shark more in the film those scares would diminish over time.  You would be able to tell that it was a fake shark crafted by the hands of a human.  Less is always more.  The POV shots are incredibly genius.  The camera is under the kicking feet and the thrashing arms.  The presence of the shark is felt without seeing him on screen.  There are times when you do see the shark; mostly the fin rising above the surface and giving chase, or the massive jaw with rigid teeth rising out of the water in hopes of devouring something.  And what about the anthem of the great fish? Whenever we hear that iconic music we know the shark is damn close.

The Characters

Police Chief Martin Brody.  He's the character I have the most sympathy for in both book and film.  He's a man with so much on his plate.  If it's not one thing it's another.  Martin Brody in the book is worse off than he is in the film.  He realizes from the very first shark attack that the beaches must be closed until further notice.  Mayor Larry Vaughn and his money hungry business partners think otherwise.  Although Mayor Vaughn seems to be a completely selfish human being, he's really got a great point.  The town of Amity just can't thrive without the summers financial income.  The decision to close the beaches is similar to slicing the throat of the town.  Brody comes under the scrutiny of the townsfolk because their businesses dry up.  He overrides his better judgment (after being threatened termination by Vaughn) and opens the beaches.  That means more fish food for the killer shark.  The shark does continue to feed. Meanwhile, Brody has to deal with his cheating wife, Helen.

The book version of Helen is very unlikeable.  At times there are moments where you may find some fine line to sympathize with her, but as the story progresses and you see inside her mind. She comes off as nothing more than a spoiled housewife.  She has a longing for her past.  She's feeling old, useless and miserable.  She doesn't find her husband attractive anymore, and she's quick to spark a fling with Matt Hooper, who is just as easily unlikeable.  In one scene in the book she has a dinner party and invites Hooper.  The entire party she flirts with him while Brody tries to keep his cool.  This scene alone made me despise her.  The affair doesn't last long, and Helen does come to regret what she did.  The affair was so pointless.  But if Hooper had lived what then?

Matt Hooper of the film is one of my favorite characters, but in the book I can't stand him.  Part of the charm is Richard Dreyfuss, who plays Hooper perfectly.  In the film there is a camaraderie with Hooper and Brody, while in the book they butt heads constantly.  The definitive similarity is the fact that Matt Hooper is a shark expert who wants nothing more than to know and understand the animal.  He wants to study it rather than kill it.  Matt Hooper's death in the book comes because of his curiosity.  He gets what he wants, the chance to get close to the shark, to see it with his own eyes.  The shark also gets what he wants.

And Quint.  Quint is Quint not matter how you slice it.  He's cantankerous. He's got a dry sense of humor and wit.  And he's got enough stories to know that he's been around or a long time.  He knows what he's doing.  He's determined to catch the big one.  In the film Quint is played by Robert Shaw.  This performance is one of the finest in the movie, if not, the finest.  Robert Shaw echoes what my first impressions of Quint are:  He's as mysteries as the water he travels on.

Harry Meadows is a prominent character in the book.  He's a newspaper man, who uncovers truths about Mayor Vaughn's association with the mafia.  He gets Matt Hopper involved by hiring him, after going against Brody's decisions to close the beaches.  He tries to be helpful to the town and assists in doing what he can to get rid of the shark.  He's obese and is one cheeseburger shy from a heart attack, but manages to outlive most of the characters in the book.

The book or the film?  I like them both.  The film is a straight up adventure story with great, compelling characters that are fun to revisit twice a year.  I love Benchley's voice.  I wasn't a fan of the mob stuff and the affair.  They slow the story down.  I'll always go back to the film.  I grew up with it and it's one fine piece of genius cinema made by a then 26 year old kid named Steven Spielberg.

While they're out there fighting for the town of Amity - the people, the victims and the safety of the community - that's where I had the most fun.


      

  

Book Review: Thinner by Stephen King

***(out of four stars)

Billy Halleck has a problem. He's losing weight... and fast.

After accidentally running over a gypsy, Billy Halleck is cursed by the leader of the gypsies, Taduz Lemke. Billy was a lawyer and got off with a slap on the wrist, because he was good friends with the judge. Now, day by day and hour by hour, Billy is thinning down to almost nothing. He must find Taduz, and confront him, because if the curse isn't lifted he won't be around much longer.

I've gotta say that I read quite often and it's very hard to find a good book that keeps the pages turning. This one was one of those special novels that had me engrossed for the entire time. One on hand, you feel bad for Billy Halleck, who really didn't mean to hit that women. On the other, he almost deserves what's coming to him. It's a slow decent in horror as page by page Halleck is losing weight although he continues to eat heartily.

Halleck learns that others have been cursed. Namely the ones who helped him get off easy at the trial. One character literally turns into a lizard and the other one sort of melts away. Billy's weight problem tells me that he got off a bit easier than his pals. Soon after, his marriage begins to fail, friends turn their backs on him and the doctors all think he's a crazy lunatic. The only friend that stays by his side is Richard "The Hammer" Ginelli. Ginelli is a ruthless killer and vows to help assist Halleck in finding Taduz and the clan of gypsies.

I won't spoil the ending here. It is bleak. As it should be. Wrapping this story up in a nice bow would take away from the entire experience. If you're into King's work, this one should not go unnoticed.

Stephen King (as Richard Bachman)

Publisher: NAL

1984

309 pages

Book Review: Charles Manson Now by Marlin Marynick

**(out of four stars)

I just finished reading Charles Manson Now by Marlin Marynick. I thought this book was gonna be another "Manson type" money maker, discussing only the murders and bringing nothing new to the plate. There are tons and tons of books about what happened on August 9th 1969. This read is slightly different.

Marlin Marynick is a psychiatric nurse who obviously deals with many who suffer from different disorders. Marlin considers himself an outsider and is more intrigued with the darker side of life. He gives us insight into his early life, including his mother commiting suicide when he was a young boy. But the first link to his fascination with Manson came when he was ten years old. While playing one afternoon, Marlin found a copy of Helter Skelter lying in an abandoned house. How could you not be fascinated? Remember all those interviews with Manson, all wide-eyed and crazy, making weird noises and abnormal faces. Who wouldn't be fascinated with another human being like that? Although you mustn't condone what the man is about, it's highly unlikely that you'll turn that dial when he's on the tube.

Marynick embarks on a journey that eventually ends with his first face-to-face interview with Charles Manson. Along the way, he meets and corresponds with some of Manson's dearest friends inside and outside the walls of Corcoran Prison in California. One friend in particular is Stanton LeVay, the grandson of Satanic church founder, Anton LeVay. Stanton claims that the Tate murders were actually ordered by the Church of Satan. Tex Watson, Susan Atkins and Charles Manson were said to be former members.

The book is littered with Manson's own writings. We get a glimpse of a different kind of individual that we're used too. In fact, this book sheds an entirely different light on "The Most Hated Man in America". Marynick portrays Manson more as a human being rather than the monster that the media has painted for us the past few decades. We're introduced to ATWA (Air, Trees, Water, and Animals). This is a group, or plan designed by Charles Manson to save the planet from dying. Manson seems to be quite the activist from behind his cell. The murders are discussed, yet Manson continues to maintain his innocence, as he has since the summer of 1969.

And although this book is about Charles Manson, it's more about the adventures of Marlin Marynick as he approaches his meeting with Manson. Ultimately, Marynick is more interested in his friendship than that of the hype and hysterial that follows Manson's existence.

All in all it's a compelling read, although I would've had this book edited a little better before being printed.

Written by: Marlin Marynick
Published by Cogito Media Group
2010

Deviant: The Shocking True Story of ED GEIN, The Original "Psycho"

****(out of four stars)

Have you ever wondered where infamous horror films like, Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Psycho and Silence of the Lambs derived from? Well one name rings true to all of these films. The name is Ed Gein. After his grisly crimes he was infamously dubbed, The Butcher of Plainfield. His crimes sent shock waves throughout Wisconsin and the rest of the United States. Many people knew very little about the little, shy man named Ed Gein, but after his heinous crimes no one ever forgot about him.

Ed Gein grew up in a household with an alcoholic father and a religiously domineering mother. He and his brother Henry were close, but after Henry died in a mysterious fire, Ed only had his mother to lean on. When she died Ed Gein was lost. He stayed to himself; often reading graphic comics and books about the Nazi atrocities. He was a recluse, a loner and hardly anyone ever came within the walls of his home.

Most of you know the story of Ed Gein. Aside from the movies mentioned above, there are tons of other films inspired by his life and crimes. Just google them and you'll find an abundance of material on the Butcher from Plainfield.

If you don't want a movie, let me recommend an excellent read. Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, The Original "Psycho" is an outstanding book written by Harold Schechter. This book covers it all. Everything from Ed's childhood; his early upbringing with his overbearing, often overly possessive mother and his abusive father George, to his crimes, his trial and his being institutionalized.

Harold Schechter writes with such prose that at some moments you think you're reading a story so shocking that it could only be made from a wild imagination. This kind of horror is only seen in the movies, right? Wrong!

The book follows neighbors, law officials, friends and everyone else involved in the Gein story. From first hand accounts, the story and life of Ed Gein is unraveled right before your eyes.

Ed was only charged with two killings. But his ghoulish behavior is really why he's renowned. It seems that Ed liked to dig up bones of the recently (or long) deceased. He crafted soup bowls, lamp shades, and made "death masks" out of the dead bodies. And yes, he even dressed up in the skin suit of a woman. He would wear the face, breast vest and even the vagina. See the resemblance with Leatherface yet?

This is a very compelling read and I recommend it to any true crime fan. This stuff is only supposed to be made in the movies, not real life. We do have our fair share of "real" monsters lurking about.

Oh and by the way, his last name is pronounced Gein as in lean. His name does not rhyme with fine. Sorry I had to point that out but it just gets on my nerves.

Cujo - Book Review

**** out of four stars

I've seen the film a dozen times and read the book twice now. This simple little story gave me the creeps as a kid. Ever since, I've had a fear of St. Bernard dogs. Cujo makes Beethoven look like a cute, furry creature.

It has been said that with a mixture of drugs and alcohol, Stephen King remembers very little about actually writing this novel. Well, Mr. King, I think your best work came from when you were under the influence.

Cujo is the story of a St. Bernard who is infected with rabies after chasing a rabbit into a cave with rabid bats. Once the bats bite Cujo's nose he becomes infected and the onslaught starts. Mr. King does a fine job, when writing from the dogs point of view. He takes us into the mind of the animal as the disease slowly infects him. Once, a loving 180 pound dog, now turns into a killing machine, Cujo is one scary animal.

After killing Gary (local drunk) and Cujo's owner, Joe Camber, Cujo hides out in the shade... waiting to strike. Every pound of him is now a murderous monster.

Beyond the point of the story of Cujo lies another theme to the book. An adulterous marriage. Donna Trenton, whom fears getting older and living a mundane life, sets out to find some love on the side. Her lover, Steve Kemp, is a good looking tennis player and poet. After realizing that she has made the ultimate mistake and possibly ruining her marriage, Donna tries to break the relationship with Steve Kemp. When he is unsatisfied with her new look on life he writes a nasty note to Donna's husband, Vic Trenton. Now Donna's faithful, hardworking husband knows her dirty little secrets.

Vic works for an advertising agency and has to go away for two weeks to save the Sharp account. The Sharp account is a brand of cereal that has been under some criticism for kids getting sick after eating the product. So Vic and his best friend and partner Roger head to Boston to reclaim the account. Meanwhile, Donna's pinto isn't running that good and she is informed to take her car to Joe Camber's garage. Little does she know, that Mr. Camber is dead and his family is away in Connecticut.

When Donna drives her and her son Tad out to the garage the car dies and she is stranded there... with Cujo.


For days Donna and her son, Tad fight for their lives as Cujo, with his infectious rage, literally turns their car into a prison. Donna must fight to keep her and her son alive.

I loved this book. Possibly one of his finest works I've read so far. The story is simple and with the sub plots it makes for a great read. Stephen King does a fine job writing about a failing marriage hanging by the strings of love, faith and betrayal. It's also a story about the courage of a women in trouble with little to no hope for survival. The story bonds with each character and their circumstances. A very well written novel and a helluva story.

The ending of the book is much more depressing than that of the film. In the film, Donna Trenton kills the beast and successfully resuscitates her son. There's your happy ending. However, with the book, King doesn't give you a happy ending. No, instead he gives you a bleak ending that suits well with the story. Little Tad does not make it and now the Trenton's have to face their ultimate fears. Through all the turmoil that they've endured; it's now time to start fresh; without their son. Ironically, the marriage is saved, yet the heartbreak of losing a child still lingers.

If you're a Stephen King fan, you've probably read this book. If you haven't read the book, then I suggest you read it on my highest recommendation. It's a page turner and you'll appreciate it word by word.

Profoundly Disturbing: Shocking Movies That Changed American History

I've been a huge Joe Bob Briggs fan since his days of MonsterVision on TNT. I remember being a young kid tuning in every Saturday night watching that show. They just don't make television that entertaining these days. So when I happened upon his book, Profoundly Disturbing: Shocking Movies That Changed American History, I had to pick it up. The book is a collection of essays written by Joe Bob himself regarding such classic films like, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Exorcist, Blood Feast and many, many more. Each entry is an in depth look into the making and back stories (some famous, some not so much) of many of the films that I grew up watching and adoring.

With Joe Bob Brigg's wit and his sense of humor, this book will please any horror or film fan. This book is a testament as to what kind of a fan Joe Bob really is. If you've enjoyed anything he's ever done, this book will certainly satisfy your horror reading fix. It's loaded with knowledge and fun facts from a guy who simply loves movies.

Joe Bob says check it out and I agree.

Mister B. Gone

*1/2(out of 4 stars)

One question remains with Clive Barker. Where the hell is Abarat? I want more. I want more soon... damn it!

Back in October of 2007, I was a newly wed. My wife and I tied the knot on the 6th and I was looking forward to opening up a great new chapter in my life. I remember that October breeze gusting up and turning the leaves. The foliage in the hillside and the variety of different colors lining the streets as the leaves fell to a quiet and solemn death.

I was in Barnes and Noble one night right around Halloween time. I saw that the shelves were donning a new Clive Barker book. I was enticed and picked it up. The book looked tattered and burnt, obviously a great marketing gimmick. It looked awesome! Mister B. Gone was the book and a new release from Clive Barker. It was Halloween! What more could you ask for? Um.. Abarat, maybe? Anyway, Barker+Halloween= Sweet deal!

Truth be told, I didn't get the book until Christmas that year. And when I read it, I was ready to call Santa and tell him to take the book back and shove it right up his red, fat ass. Now, I love Clive Barker and most of his works. He's a talented artist and his films, paintings and novels are nothing less then inspiring when I delve into anything Barker is doing. But this book, to put it lightly, is boring, redundant and uninspiring.

Mister B. Gone is a book where a demon named, Jakabok Botch, has possessed the pages. He frequently and tiresomely warns: "Burn this Book". (Doing this kind little favor will set the demon free from the pages.) After awhile, you're willing to comply with his wishes, only because he becomes an annoying little shit. Jakabok, after failing numerous times to pursuade you to burn the book recounts his story. He's from the ninth circle of hell - where the most sinister of sinners dwell. His upbringing was fierce; with unrelentless parents that hated everything about him. After escaping the annuals of hell and witnessing his father's death, Jakabok ends up in the 14th century via a fishing net, no lie.

There he is captured by a priest and his henchmen. Eventually he escapes the clutches of the corrupt clergymen and meets up with another powerful demon named, Quitoon. I know, weird names, huh? The two create havok on their hundred (yes, hundred) year journey. Soon, the duo part ways because of ego/disagreements, resulting in Quitoon threatening Jakabok. I don't know, I guess demons have egos too. But the way they argue you would swear they were demonic lovers.

I won't go into detail about the ending of the book or how Mister B. (what he goes by later in the book), gets stuck in his prison within the pages of the book. You'll have to read to find that one out. I will say that it's a really good idea and hasn't been done yet. Very interesting premise.

However.

I hate to be negative on Clive Barker as I think he's one of the most gifted human beings alive. I just couldn't get into this novel. I will say that Jakabok's threats keep you entertained and turning the pages, but after awhile it just become annoying. Hell, if you're on the 100th page and this guy's still trying to get you to burn the book, why go on with the story? Just stop being a pretentious little demon brat and stop talking. What would've been funnier would be turning the pages and having the rest blank. Then the demon would've won me over. His constant barrage of threats would've meant something, otherwise he's just talking a whole lotta shit and not following through. Regardless, he's a victim of his own game.

I did not burn this book, thus resulting in Jakabok still being confined in the pages.

I will however, hand this book to my worst enemy and let him deal with the little shit.

Mister B. Gone

Written by: Clive Barker

Published by: HarperCollins