Few films have accumulated the same amount of iconography as Jaws. From its iconic lines, to its tantalizing theme music, and, of course, its characters. Even 50 years after its release, Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), Captain Quint (Robert Shaw), and Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) remain among the greatest ensembles in the history of cinema. However, none of the iconic trio, nor even the film’s infamous shark remain with the Jaws franchise for more than a film or two. In fact, the real throughline characters were Brody’s young sons, Michael and Sean. Granted, each new installment to the series brought in a new pair of actors to fill the roles and even saw their positioning within the films shift. But there is absolutely no denying that no pair played the roles better than the original duo, Chris Rebello and Jay Mello.
Michael and Sean Were Always ‘Jaws’ Emotional Throughline
It’s certainly difficult, if not impossible, to find a more perfectly cast film than Jaws. Everyone from the aforementioned trio to Lorraine Gary’s Ellen Brody and Murray Hamilton’s Larry Vaughn are so well suited for their roles and really make Amity Island feel like a real place. Interestingly, though, none of the principal adults appeared in every film. Gary came the closest being featured in Jaws, Jaws 2, and the infamous, Jaws: The Revenge. Scheider refused to appear in any Jaws films after the first sequel, while both Shaw and Dreyfuss never returned following the original. The Brody sons, however, are the only characters to appear in every single movie in the franchise. Despite being recast with each installment, they truly are the emotional heart of the films.
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From the beginning, the characters were always vital to the story. After all, Brody is the model of a reluctant hero in the original picture. It’s not until Michael’s encounter with the shark that Brody decides to overcome his fear and take to the open sea. Similarly, Sean’s peril in Jaws 2 (which sees Mark Grunter and Marc Gilpin as Michael and Sean) forces Brody to arguably overcome even more, charting a gorilla voyage out to save his sons, even after being fired. While Jaws 3-D certainly sets the brothers up for an uncanny storyline, they are promoted to lead roles in the film, brought back to the screen by Dennis Quaid and John Putch, moving them both to SeaWorld Orlando. In Jaws: The Revenge, Sean (recast one last time with Mitchell Anderson) is back to the role of catalyst with Michael (Lance Guest) filling a role similar to that of his mother from the first film, offering Ellen emotional support as she deals with her trauma. Yet, despite all their growth over the years, and various talented actors taking up the mantel, it’s Rebello and Mello who truly define the characters.
Rebello and Mello Made the Characters of Michael and Sean Work
While we can’t deny the talents of the Hollywood actors that took over the roles over the years, Rebello and Mello truly brought an authenticity to the roles that none of the other actors were able to match. Putting the obvious continuity errors regarding the ever-changing ages of the boys from film to film aside, the fact that the original Brody sons weren’t Hollywood actors really helped in the development and portrayals of their characters. As stated in the renowned Jaws documentary, The Shark is Still Working, neither Mello nor Rebello had many credits prior to Jaws. In fact, like many of the film’s supporting roles, the boys were Martha’s Vineyard locals when they were cast. Like Mrs. Kitner actress, Lee Fierro, the use of local talent is largely responsible for the film’s lasting impact, and, in the case of the Brodys, Rebello and Mello’s New England backgrounds really helped make the family feel realistic. From Michael’s famous “I got bit by a vampire,” entrance to the pre-filming relationship the boys had established, the characters feel as though they truly are residents of fictional Amity Island, something that didn’t carry over when they were recast with more professional actors. In fact, one of the film’s greatest sequences only happened because of its casting.
One of ‘Jaws’ Best Sequences Only Happened Because of Jay Mello
The Jaws series is certainly known for its kills. From its legendary opening sequences to its often fiery (and at times uncanny) finales, the series’ epic formula has been copied and even spoofed, many times, often yielding mixed results. But it’s the original movie’s more intimate sequences that take Jaws from monster horror to an artistic and emotionally satisfying film. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the sequence that sees a frustrated Chief Brody sitting at the table, dealing with moral issues. He looks over to see his son, Sean, copying his every move, wanting to be just like his dad. The flattery not only helps relieve his stress but reminds Brody of all for which he is fighting. However, this sequence wasn’t in the script.
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According to the documentary, Scheider and Mello were sitting at the table, waiting for the crew to set up the next shot in another room. Scheider noticed Mello was really copying his every movement and immediately went out to fetch Steven Spielberg. He showed the director, who then had his crew discreetly begin to film the charming sequence that would go on to become a classic. It truly remains one of the film’s most meaningful scenes, one that never would have happened had Spielberg not cast the local children in the film.
Even years after production wrapped on Jaws, the men kept the spirit of the Brody boys alive and well, with Mello saying he and Rebello remained close until Rebello’s untimely passing. It’s a magic that was never quite recaptured when more traditional Hollywood actors were cast. It’s hard to imagine Jaws as a film without Mello and Rebello, and their work truly should be praised, even 50 years later.
