Steven Spielberg has been one of the most important figures in cinema for the past half-century. He recently released "The Fabelmans", a fictionalized account of his childhood and teenage years, showing the germination of his interest in movies, and the discrimination that he faced as a Jew.
Well, a few years earlier, there was a documentary about the director on HBO. "Spielberg" not only looks at his movies, but also features interviews with him, people who have worked with him, and his contemporary directors. Some of the stuff you may have heard before - i.e., the mishaps on the "Jaws" set - but we get a lot of extra insight into the production of his movies and how he uses certain techniques to tell the story. Naturally there's a lot of focus on "Schindler's List" (probably the one movie that everyone should see).
It was fascinating to see Spielberg's parents and sisters, and hear about how his family life influenced his work (note the depiction of absentee fathers in "E. T.", "Hook", "Munich" and "Bridge of Spies").
All in all, this is a documentary that all cinephiles should watch, both for the fun aspect and to understand movie production. One for the ages!
Also check out the movies that Spielberg's made since this documentary got released (The Post, Ready Player One, West Side Story, The Fabelmans).
Well, a few years earlier, there was a documentary about the director on HBO. "Spielberg" not only looks at his movies, but also features interviews with him, people who have worked with him, and his contemporary directors. Some of the stuff you may have heard before - i.e., the mishaps on the "Jaws" set - but we get a lot of extra insight into the production of his movies and how he uses certain techniques to tell the story. Naturally there's a lot of focus on "Schindler's List" (probably the one movie that everyone should see).
It was fascinating to see Spielberg's parents and sisters, and hear about how his family life influenced his work (note the depiction of absentee fathers in "E. T.", "Hook", "Munich" and "Bridge of Spies").
All in all, this is a documentary that all cinephiles should watch, both for the fun aspect and to understand movie production. One for the ages!
Also check out the movies that Spielberg's made since this documentary got released (The Post, Ready Player One, West Side Story, The Fabelmans).