Introduction:
There are some striking parallels that emerge when comparing the political actions of former President Donald Trump to the infamous mayor of Amity Island in the classic film Jaws. This essay draws these comparisons, highlighting the parallels that make for a tragic yet eerily familiar tale.
Comparing Donald Trump to Mayor Vaughn in Jaws
The film Jaws presents a stark contrast between the two main characters: the clueless but well-intentioned mayor, and the pragmatic, wise chief. Similarly, Donald Trump and the political arena in 2020 present a parallel with the former president representing the ‘summer’ politician who prioritizes economic gain over public safety.
In the movie, Mayor Vaughn of Amity Island identifies economic gain as his primary concern, even when faced with the reality of a potentially deadly man-eating shark. This is reminiscent of Trump’s approach to politics and public safety during the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, Trump often emphasized the need to keep the economy running, disregarding public health advice and endangering lives.
The Ignoring of Expert Advise
The mayor’s decision to let the summer tourists in despite the advice of Chief Brody, Dr. Fauci, and the sheriff, mirrors Trump’s repeated disregard for expert medical advice. Trump repeatedly refused to wear a mask, denied the severity of the pandemic, and downplayed the potential deaths that could be prevented by following public health guidelines.
The mayor lets the chief take the blame when the warnings prove true, much like how Trump let his advisors and healthcare professionals face the consequences of his decisions.
Physical Resemblance and Character Traits
A closer look at the physical and character parallels between Murray Hamilton as Mayor Vaughn and Donald Trump also reveals striking similarities. Hamilton portrayed a clueless yet well-intentioned official with a focus on economic gain, much like Trump’s approach to governance.
Physical Appearance and Age
As Donald Trump grew older and gained weight, his physical appearance began to resemble Murray Hamilton, the actor who played Mayor Vaughn. This transformation in Trump’s looks mirrored the character’s increasing inflexibility and stubbornness in the face of evidence and expert advice.
Murray Hamilton in Other Films
During leads role in other films, such as Otto Preminger’s Anatomy of a Murder (1959) and The Graduate (1967), Murray Hamilton played characters with their own particular flaws and ties to complex relationships. In these films, Hamilton often portrayed individuals grappling with ethical dilemmas and personal attachments, mirroring the complex character of the mayor in Jaws.
Conclusion
The parallels between Donald Trump and Mayor Vaughn in Jaws are not lost on many viewers. Both figures prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term public safety, leading to potentially disastrous consequences. While Mayor Vaughn eventually learns his lesson, the consequences of Trump’s actions have left long-lasting scars on the nation.
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, it is essential to learn from such historical analogies to make more informed and safer decisions in the future.