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Having emerged as a film industry sensation with an unmatched vision for cinema, Steven Spielberg, now 76, is regarded as one of the greatest and most illustrious directors of all time. In addition to his long list of achievements, he has earned the title of commercially successful director during his over 50 years in business.
Also, being a key player in the ‘New Hollywood’ era and the creator of the modern blockbuster, Spielberg has become one of the most significant directors in the history of the film business. The $476.5 millionJaws, the 1975 hit film, made him a household name. He then went on to direct blockbuster hits likeJurassic Park,theIndiana Jonestrilogy, andE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
His movies revolutionized Hollywood’s box office success and established a new standard for high-grossing motion pictures. Nevertheless, there were also difficult times he went through following the release of the1972cult classicThe Godfather. This masterwork made Spielberg question his skills to the point where he contemplated leaving filmmaking.
Also read:Best Movie of All Time – Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, Liam Neeson and Many Stars Reveal Their Favorite Movie of All Time
Steven Spielberg’s Insecurity withThe Godfather
Francis Ford Coppola, a close friend ofSteven Spielberg, directed the ground-breaking movieThe Godfatherin 1972. It is widely recognized as one of the best and most influential movies ever made. However, theParamount Pictures film made theJawsdirector more insecure about himself and his directing skills.Not only did the film go on to become a huge hit, winning several accolades, but it also pretty much destroyed young Spielberg’s confidence.
In a bonus feature on theDVD restoration ofThe Godfather,the three-time Academy Award winner admitted earlier that he did not think he could ever deliver something truly exceptional:
“I was pulverized by the story and by the effect it had on me, and I also felt that I should quit. There was no reason to continue directing because I would never achieve that level of confidence in the ability to tell a story such as the one I had just experienced.”
And then, as if this were not already devastating enough, he said:
“So, in a way, it shattered my confidence.”
Also read:“I saw s*xual evil”: Only One Actor in History Has Managed to Seduce Steven Spielberg With Just ‘3 Takes’ in the Audition
His Career Significantly Changed AfterThe Godfather
Steven Spielberg was still a young talent at the time ofThe Godfather’srelease, having directed only a few small films. The 1975 release ofJawsdid much more than simply establish him as a household name among major studios; it also solidified the blockbuster trend and the entire New Hollywood movement within the business.
He became an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and movie enthusiasts in general after a string of hit movies, such asIndiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Raiders of the Lost Ark,Close Encounters of the Third Kind,andE.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. His films also became bolder and more inventive, marking the beginning of a new era in visual effects and imaginative storytelling, in addition to his growing confidence in his abilities.
Following his first Academy Award-winning film (Jaws, of course), he experimented with many genres and subjects; he went into science fiction and fantasy and discovered new techniques for creating suspense. Though he never acknowledged it, Spielberg benefited fromThe Godfatherin the end since it made him more daring and willing to take chances.
Surely, these films cemented Spielberg’s reputation as a legend in the business and solidified his place in movie history as a director who could effectively evoke feelings in viewers.
His last film,TheFabelmans,is a semi-autobiographical story based on Spielberg’s childhood and early years as a director.The 2022 film is available to stream on FuboTV.
The Godfatheris streaming on Showtime.
Also read:“I can’t live in this dark world again”: Schindler’s List Took Such a Toll on Steven Spielberg He Had to Say No to One Denzel Washington’s Dark Movie
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
