(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Two simple notes – E and F – have become synonymous with tension, fear and sharks, ...

As movie budgets creep closer to a half-billion dollars, the “Jaws” theme – and the way those two notes manipulate tension – is a reminder that in film, sometimes less can be more.

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Two simple notes – E and F – have become synonymous with tension, fear and ...