Jaws voted the greatest film ever made, that's staggeringly wrong

When film enthusiasts think of the greatest movie of all time, they probably think of Tokyo Story, a poignant and elegant family drama by Yasujiro Ozu, or Some Like It Hot, a timeless comedy with Marilyn Monroe's unforgettable performance. But according to Empire's updated list of the 100 greatest films ever made, none of these masterpieces hold a candle to Jaws, that quintessential summer blockbuster by Steven Spielberg. The news has left many stunned, even those who love Jaws as much as the next person. Can Jaws truly be considered the greatest film of all time?

While Jaws is undoubtedly a suspenseful and well-crafted film, its position at the top of Empire's list is staggering, especially considering the company it keeps. The list is a veritable who's who of mainstream classics, with The Godfather, Goodfellas, and The Shawshank Redemption all vying for attention. Even The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars franchises make an appearance. It's hard not to feel that Jaws is being unfairly elevated above these other cinematic giants.

The problem with Empire's list is that it's based on mainstream consensus, rather than any genuine critical evaluation. It's a list that's been compiled by people who, by and large, are familiar with the same films and directors that everyone else is. Where's the diversity? Where's the nuance? Jaws may be a beloved film, but it's not the only great movie out there. By ignoring other, equally great films, Empire's list does a disservice to the art of cinema.

As a film enthusiast myself, I have to respectfully disagree with Empire's assessment. For me, a great film is one that challenges my assumptions, makes me feel something deeply, and leaves a lasting impact. Tokyo Story and Some Like It Hot are two films that do just that. They're not just great because they're well-made or entertaining; they're great because they're honest, vulnerable, and true to themselves. Jaws, on the other hand, is a film that's more concerned with spectacle than substance.

While Empire's list may generate a lot of buzz, it's unlikely to have a lasting impact on the world of film. In fact, it may even backfire by creating a backlash against Jaws and the other films on the list. People will start to question the validity of Empire's assessment, and the conversation will shift from "Is Jaws the greatest film of all time?" to "Why is Empire's list so out of touch?" In the end, it's not about what Empire thinks; it's about what we, as film enthusiasts, think.

In the end, Jaws may be a flawed masterpiece, but it's not the greatest film of all time. At least, not in my opinion. While I have no doubt that it will continue to be a beloved classic, I think Empire's list is a mistake. The real question is: what does this say about our society's values and tastes? Do we value spectacle over substance?