The ultimate summer getaway: Amity Island.
I happened to have been to Amity Island (three or four times, I think) and it's quite lovely. Lots of sand and sun and blue waters. The town has a very cohesive appearance: the buildings are soft blue or white or off white. Everything matches the water, really. The beaches are always decorated with umbrellas in primary colors and beach bodies and sun hats.
Okay, so I've seen the
Jaws experience during the back lots tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. I first went when I was a kid and I have gone three times since, the last being in 2013 during my spring break (the last time I was in my hometown *tear*). The back lots tour is one of the neatest things I've done, period. I am a sucker for movie magic and I love behind the scenes footage of everything. The tour is so. Much. Fun. If you're ever out in L.A., at least go to Universal just for the back lots tour and for the hell of it. I think I associate a lot of it with nostalgia. Like I said, I went when I was a kid and have the best memories of it. I have even gone as far as call Universal Studios my home away from home, I love it so much. The
Jaws experience is honestly probably the cheesiest (and oldest) part of the tour. Although the
Fast and Furious portion is pretty lame too. Basically a huge ani-matronic shark comes after you at water level and it's so goofy. However, it doesn't dampen my love for the film.
I saw the film when I was young, too. My parents were really good at showing my sister and I really good, classic films growing up (and still are; my dad loves
Pulp Fiction and my mom just recommended the Robert Redford film
Jeremiah Johnson). Actually, I believe that my first crush came from this film, too. Well, more like slight fascination; I mean I was probably 9 or 10. I just remember thinking that Martin Brody, played by Roy Scheider, was a very handsome man. I enjoyed how quiet he was and how we was the under dog throughout the whole film and in the end, kills the shark that terrorizes his home and becomes the unsung hero. He's sort of the normal one and is a simple family man trying to be a simple sheriff in a town that has become over run with horror.
Now, when I watch it approaching my twenties, I feel somewhat the same way about Brody. But I also have begun to look at the costumes in the film. Everyone on Amity Island has the ultimate East Coast summer wardrobe. Just like the buildings, everyone's clothes are in soft blue; there are some khakis, whites, navies, greys and some blacks. Easy, comfortable and classic. I especially love Mrs. Brody's outfit in the first picture with her sweater tied around her waist (her waist, too, not her hips - so corny). And she has that perfect boyfriend shirt in the perfect shade of periwinkle blue. I also love her black sweater and white pants combo in the fourth photo. Matt Hooper's (played by Richard Drefuss) look as he arrives to Amity Island is a favorite as well: a grey crew neck sweater, a lived in blue jean jacket, a navy cap and a perfectly beat up brown leather rucksack. Not pictured are Hooper's perfect navy blue boat shoes when the three of them are on the boat trying to catch the beast.
