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Accounts from the set reveal that Shaw, known for his hard-drinking habits and brash persona, would often humiliate Dreyfuss, pushing him to prove his mettle. Spielberg, witnessing this tension, navigated the situation delicately to ensure the film could progress. Dreyfuss later downplayed the animosity, presenting it as more of a theatrical rivalry than a personal grudge.
Behind this interpersonal clash lay the technical challenges of bringing "Jaws" to life, including the notoriously unreliable mechanical shark nicknamed Bruce. These on-set difficulties further compounded the stress levels among the crew, yet the eventual success of the film speaks to Spielberg’s ability to create compelling cinema even under pressure.