Take a Bite Out Of This: Behind the Scenes Facts About Jaws

The Decapitated Head Scene Was Filmed In A Swimming Pool

Photo Credit: Universal Studios

The famous scene when Hopper discovers fisherman Ben Gardner’s decapitated head in the hull of a boat was filmed in a pool. Although they had shot an original take during their time in New England, Spielberg wasn’t pleased with it. So, six months after shooting had ended, they re-shot the scene in editor Verna Fields’ swimming pool in Van Nuys, California.

Spielberg borrowed some props and film equipment from Universal Studios and poured milk into the pool to give it a mirky look like the water in Martha’s Vineyard. After completing the scene, they easily edited it into the movie and has since become one of the film’s most notable scenes.