Pretty much every single work from Steven Spielberg is an immersive cinematic gem, with pieces like those from the Jurassic Park franchise and Schindler’s List being some of the best works credited to his name. And yet, there is still one piece of critically acknowledged masterwork from the early stages of his career that the filmmaker isn’t exactly satisfied with.
Steven Spielberg. | Photo: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons.This piece is his sci-fi/fantasy from 1977, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which is widely regarded as one of his most remarkable works to date. And, the problem that Spielberg has isn’t exactly with the movie, but rather, with the note the movie ended on. In fact, if anything, the director wouldn’t hesitate to change the ending of his $340 million movie in a heartbeat if it were made today.
Steven Spielberg Wouldn’t Hesitate to Change the End of...
Steven Spielberg. | Photo: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons.This piece is his sci-fi/fantasy from 1977, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which is widely regarded as one of his most remarkable works to date. And, the problem that Spielberg has isn’t exactly with the movie, but rather, with the note the movie ended on. In fact, if anything, the director wouldn’t hesitate to change the ending of his $340 million movie in a heartbeat if it were made today.
Steven Spielberg Wouldn’t Hesitate to Change the End of...
- 6/5/2024
- by Mahin Sultan
- FandomWire
Science fiction cinema came of age in the 1950s, beginning an ascent out of the drive-in schlock market that culminated in the boldly experimental yet still commercially viable efforts of the 1960s. That fed directly into the next decade, with sci-fi in the 1970s taking on (for the most part) the same subversive attitude as most other movies made during that era.
But sci-fi movies also entered blockbuster territory in the ‘70s as demonstrated by the massive success of films like Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Superman: The Movie, Logan’s Run, and Alien. The studios realized that sci-fi could be a cash cow, and as the 1980s dawned, decided to ramp up their genre output, not to mention their budgets, with elaborate visual effects, bigger stars, and more action—even if some of the more cerebral concepts espoused in the earlier decades’ films took a bit of a back seat.
But sci-fi movies also entered blockbuster territory in the ‘70s as demonstrated by the massive success of films like Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Superman: The Movie, Logan’s Run, and Alien. The studios realized that sci-fi could be a cash cow, and as the 1980s dawned, decided to ramp up their genre output, not to mention their budgets, with elaborate visual effects, bigger stars, and more action—even if some of the more cerebral concepts espoused in the earlier decades’ films took a bit of a back seat.
- 6/5/2024
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
Steven Spielberg has been one of the most prolific filmmakers in Hollywood since the 70s. The director has tackled every genre and has shown that he can confidently execute them with conviction. It’s hard to believe that such diverse films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Color Purple Jaws, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and Minority Report came from one filmmaker.
Steven Spielberg’s E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial remains one of his most beloved films | Universal Pictures
The director is set to return to his sci-fi roots with the announced UFO film. With this film, the director is also making a unique change to his filmography as he is finally making an original story that he came up with rather than adaptations of books or real-life historical events.
Steven Spielberg Conceived His Upcoming UFO Film Unlike Most of His Post-2000 Films
Fans expect Steven Spielberg’s new film...
Steven Spielberg’s E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial remains one of his most beloved films | Universal Pictures
The director is set to return to his sci-fi roots with the announced UFO film. With this film, the director is also making a unique change to his filmography as he is finally making an original story that he came up with rather than adaptations of books or real-life historical events.
Steven Spielberg Conceived His Upcoming UFO Film Unlike Most of His Post-2000 Films
Fans expect Steven Spielberg’s new film...
- 6/4/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Oi there, listen up! Amazon Prime Video’s list of new releases for June 2024 includes another season of its biggest, bloodiest hit.
The Boys season 4 premieres its first three episodes on Thursday, June 13. Based on the trailers, The Boys is really leaning into the political side of its social satire with a presidential election underway and Homelander on trial for the small matter of killing a guy last season. The season will continue to air on Thursdays, culminating with the finale on July 18.
Amazon is really leaning into its sports offerings this month as well. Fans will get to watch the New York Yankees, the WNBA, and the Nwsl several times throughout June. That’s in addition to a couple of sports docs: Power of the Dream on June 18 and Federer: Twelve Final Days on June 20.
But if you’re looking for something even more explosive than Homelander and Roger Federer,...
The Boys season 4 premieres its first three episodes on Thursday, June 13. Based on the trailers, The Boys is really leaning into the political side of its social satire with a presidential election underway and Homelander on trial for the small matter of killing a guy last season. The season will continue to air on Thursdays, culminating with the finale on July 18.
Amazon is really leaning into its sports offerings this month as well. Fans will get to watch the New York Yankees, the WNBA, and the Nwsl several times throughout June. That’s in addition to a couple of sports docs: Power of the Dream on June 18 and Federer: Twelve Final Days on June 20.
But if you’re looking for something even more explosive than Homelander and Roger Federer,...
- 6/1/2024
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Coming up in June, Amazon’s collective streaming services Prime Video and Freevee are delivering series, films, and documentaries about all sorts of heroes. From the evil, increasingly fascist superheroes of “The Boys” to the record-setting tennis icon Roger Federer to the journey back to the spotlight for one of the greatest performers of all time, Celine Dion, there are a multitude of inspiring and entertaining stories arriving on the platforms in June.
In addition to Season 3 of “The Boys” premiering with three episodes on June 13, Prime Video has a host of documentaries that shine a new light on some of our most beloved performers and athletes. On June 18, “Power of the Dream” debuts and highlights the struggles of WNBA team the Atlanta Dream who were fighting off-court battles on two fronts in 2020. Then, “Federer: Twelve Final Days” premieres on June 20 looking at the tennis legend as he ended his...
In addition to Season 3 of “The Boys” premiering with three episodes on June 13, Prime Video has a host of documentaries that shine a new light on some of our most beloved performers and athletes. On June 18, “Power of the Dream” debuts and highlights the struggles of WNBA team the Atlanta Dream who were fighting off-court battles on two fronts in 2020. Then, “Federer: Twelve Final Days” premieres on June 20 looking at the tennis legend as he ended his...
- 5/31/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar took audiences on a journey through time, space, and the human spirit. Here are 10 fascinating facts about this epic sci-fi adventure that will make you want to rewatch it right now! The Inspiration Behind Interstellar Nolan’s vision for Interstellar was shaped by his love for space films like Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. He mentioned in an interview, I got to do a lot of things in this film that I’ve been wanting to do since I was a kid. This childhood dream evolved into one of the most visually stunning films...
- 5/30/2024
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Being recognized as the most commercially successful director of all time, Steven Spielberg has prominently inscribed his name in history. However, few people know that long before starting such iconic franchises, as Jaws, Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park, the pioneer of the modern blockbuster had a very strong start as a full-length director.
Indeed, back in 1971, when Spielberg was only 25, he made a TV movie that holds up today. More than that, it can even be dubbed the most inventive film ever made by the accomplished filmmaker.
The movie’s seemingly straight-forward plot revolves around a salesman on his way to meet a client. He is driving his car through rural California, but his calm trip is about to be disturbed by a tanker truck driver, who starts chasing him down a highway.
The protagonist notices a mysterious person following him and is quick to get scared of being killed by him,...
Indeed, back in 1971, when Spielberg was only 25, he made a TV movie that holds up today. More than that, it can even be dubbed the most inventive film ever made by the accomplished filmmaker.
The movie’s seemingly straight-forward plot revolves around a salesman on his way to meet a client. He is driving his car through rural California, but his calm trip is about to be disturbed by a tanker truck driver, who starts chasing him down a highway.
The protagonist notices a mysterious person following him and is quick to get scared of being killed by him,...
- 5/30/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
Make a jug of sweet tea, y’all, and enjoy some summer viewing with these “Hicksploitation” films from the ‘60s—over-the-top exploitation films that targeted cultural stereotypes of rural Southern culture. Old men cast their eyes on young women, moonshine brews in the swamps, young farm hands, town floozies … This pair of slice-of-life films transports you to the best of the backwoods!
Available 25th June 2024, the special Backwoods Double Feature collector’s edition—on Blu-ray and DVD from Film Masters—features Common Law Wife (1963) and Jennie, Wife/Child (1968), newly restored versions of two films originally released by Something Weird Video in 2003.
From a genre that doesn’t often see a lot of TLC, these films get a glow-up that provides a whole new appreciation for backwoods hillbillies. Both films are from original 35mm archival elements—with supplemental 1080p footage in Common Law Wife—for an upgraded viewing experience, on Blu-ray for the first time.
Available 25th June 2024, the special Backwoods Double Feature collector’s edition—on Blu-ray and DVD from Film Masters—features Common Law Wife (1963) and Jennie, Wife/Child (1968), newly restored versions of two films originally released by Something Weird Video in 2003.
From a genre that doesn’t often see a lot of TLC, these films get a glow-up that provides a whole new appreciation for backwoods hillbillies. Both films are from original 35mm archival elements—with supplemental 1080p footage in Common Law Wife—for an upgraded viewing experience, on Blu-ray for the first time.
- 5/29/2024
- by Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins
- Horror Asylum
This past weekend, The Cabot theater in Beverly, Massachusetts hosted an event that was billed as An Evening With Richard Dreyfuss + Jaws Screening – but attendees did not expect what they got from legendary actor Richard Dreyfuss when he took the stage. Most of them probably expected the moderator to lead Dreyfuss on an overview of his amazing career, allowing him to discuss not only Jaws (and set the record straight about whether or not he was a jerk on set) but also films like American Graffiti, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Stand by Me, Stakeout, What About Bob?, or the two that earned him recognition from the Academy: Mr. Holland’s Opus (he earned a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance in the film) and The Goodbye Girl (he won the Best Actor Oscar for that one). Instead, Dreyfuss used the event as an opportunity to go on...
- 5/28/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
In a time when any comment can be taken as being offensive, every public figure has to be careful. Whether you agree with that or not, the situation is like that, and one has to be careful what comes out of their mouth. In light of that, there is a profound confusion when public figures come out and openly do something stupid. And we’re not referring to situations that can be misinterpreted, that can go either way, but about situations when a public figure openly says stupid things and offensive things. How can this happen? Having an opinion is one thing, but being blatantly offensive towards others and slandering them based on their race, gender, religion… why? How?
Well, we’ve recently reported about Michael Richards’ old outburst, and we are now “honored” to report on another, more recent incident that happened in Massachusetts. The incident involves famous actor Richard Dreyfuss,...
Well, we’ve recently reported about Michael Richards’ old outburst, and we are now “honored” to report on another, more recent incident that happened in Massachusetts. The incident involves famous actor Richard Dreyfuss,...
- 5/28/2024
- by Arthur S. Poe
- Fiction Horizon
Noted American actor Richard Dreyfuss has been on the receiving end of stark criticism after his appearance at a special screening event of Jaws at The Cabot theater in Beverly, Massachusetts. The 76-year-old was the special guest at an “An Evening With Richard Dreyfuss + Jaws Screening” which was held over Memorial Day.
However, hundreds of attendees allegedly walked out of the Q&a session following multiple homophobic, transphobic, and racist comments allegedly made at the event by Dreyfuss. According to social media responses, Dreyfuss allegedly spoke offensively about Barbara Streisand, and criticized the Academy’s rules on inclusivity, before going on a rant against transphobic people ‘affirming their gender.’
Richard Dreyfuss in The Goodbye Girl. | Warner Bros.
The actor, who was last seen in Sweetwater, has continued to work in recent years but might get in further trouble considering the kind of responses from fans.
Who is Richard Dreyfuss?
Richard...
However, hundreds of attendees allegedly walked out of the Q&a session following multiple homophobic, transphobic, and racist comments allegedly made at the event by Dreyfuss. According to social media responses, Dreyfuss allegedly spoke offensively about Barbara Streisand, and criticized the Academy’s rules on inclusivity, before going on a rant against transphobic people ‘affirming their gender.’
Richard Dreyfuss in The Goodbye Girl. | Warner Bros.
The actor, who was last seen in Sweetwater, has continued to work in recent years but might get in further trouble considering the kind of responses from fans.
Who is Richard Dreyfuss?
Richard...
- 5/27/2024
- by Rishabh Bhatnagar
- FandomWire
It’s been ten years, and Christopher Nolan’s science fiction film Interstellar continues to amaze and baffle fans. As it has been a decade since its release, Paramount is bringing the movie back in theaters this fall.
Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey in Interstellar / Paramount Pictures
Co-written by Nolan and his brother, Jonathan, Interstellar follows an ex-NASA pilot tasked to navigate a spacecraft after Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future. The ensemble cast starred Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Matt Damon, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Caine, and Bill Irwin.
Christopher Nolan Talks About The Making Of Interstellar
Christopher Nolan spoke with NPR and shared how Interstellar was inspired by many of his favorite childhood space films. Among his picks were George Lucas’ Star Wars and Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
I got to do a lot of things in this film that I’ve...
Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey in Interstellar / Paramount Pictures
Co-written by Nolan and his brother, Jonathan, Interstellar follows an ex-NASA pilot tasked to navigate a spacecraft after Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future. The ensemble cast starred Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Matt Damon, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Caine, and Bill Irwin.
Christopher Nolan Talks About The Making Of Interstellar
Christopher Nolan spoke with NPR and shared how Interstellar was inspired by many of his favorite childhood space films. Among his picks were George Lucas’ Star Wars and Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
I got to do a lot of things in this film that I’ve...
- 5/27/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Steven Spielberg will once again tackle the world of aliens in an upcoming project. The veteran filmmaker, who helmed the UFO-themed film Close Encounters of the Third Kind in 1977, is exploring the subject with an exciting new storyline.
Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind / Columbia Pictures
The movie remains untitled, but the director will be teaming up with Jurassic Park writer David Koepp and Universal Pictures will be backing the movie.
Steven Spielberg Shares His Own Theory About UFOs
During an interview with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, director Steven Spielberg extensively talked about his fascination with aliens and UFOs. He admitted not ever seeing one in person, but that doesn’t take away the fact that he perceives there is something out there.
I don’t know if I’m a believer in the sense that I’m kind of a person that would think,...
Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind / Columbia Pictures
The movie remains untitled, but the director will be teaming up with Jurassic Park writer David Koepp and Universal Pictures will be backing the movie.
Steven Spielberg Shares His Own Theory About UFOs
During an interview with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, director Steven Spielberg extensively talked about his fascination with aliens and UFOs. He admitted not ever seeing one in person, but that doesn’t take away the fact that he perceives there is something out there.
I don’t know if I’m a believer in the sense that I’m kind of a person that would think,...
- 5/25/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Back in April, the news broke that Steven Spielberg intends to return to the sci-fi genre for a mysterious "UFO movie" based on his own original idea, and the project has now set an official release date.
According to Variety, the untitled film is set to hit theaters on May 15, 2026.
There's been speculation about the legendary director's next film ever since rumors did the rounds that he might be taking a long break (or possibly even retiring) after the release of The Fablemans, so it came as something of a surprise that this movie already in the early planning stages.
Details are practically non-existent right now, but the screenplay will be written by David Koepp, who has previously collaborated with Spielberg on Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
For a while after the release of what arguably remains his most iconic film,...
According to Variety, the untitled film is set to hit theaters on May 15, 2026.
There's been speculation about the legendary director's next film ever since rumors did the rounds that he might be taking a long break (or possibly even retiring) after the release of The Fablemans, so it came as something of a surprise that this movie already in the early planning stages.
Details are practically non-existent right now, but the screenplay will be written by David Koepp, who has previously collaborated with Spielberg on Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
For a while after the release of what arguably remains his most iconic film,...
- 5/25/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Steven Spielberg’s next film has set a summer 2026 release date, which suggests he’s got something blockbuster-y up his sleeves. More here.
Last month we covered the widely-reported story that emerged online, stating that Steven Spielberg’s next film would be a UFO movie. This, of course, would mark a return to subject matter that has fascinated the directing legend throughout his career. Across films like E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters Of The Third Kind and War Of The Worlds, Steven Spielberg often explored very personal and intimate themes set against the vast backdrop of the infinite and unknowable mysteries of the universe.
The other thing these films all had in common was that they made a lot of money, embellishing Spielberg’s status as a major box office draw. That was a reputation that he first established in 1975 with Jaws, a film that is generally regarded as...
Last month we covered the widely-reported story that emerged online, stating that Steven Spielberg’s next film would be a UFO movie. This, of course, would mark a return to subject matter that has fascinated the directing legend throughout his career. Across films like E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters Of The Third Kind and War Of The Worlds, Steven Spielberg often explored very personal and intimate themes set against the vast backdrop of the infinite and unknowable mysteries of the universe.
The other thing these films all had in common was that they made a lot of money, embellishing Spielberg’s status as a major box office draw. That was a reputation that he first established in 1975 with Jaws, a film that is generally regarded as...
- 5/24/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
The iconic Steven Spielberg has been focusing more on human dramas as of late, except for the occasional special effects-laden vehicles like Ready Player One and The Bfg — even sitting out Indiana Jones for the first time with the last entry, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. However, Deadline has now revealed that Universal Pictures has reserved a release date for May 15, 2026, for what is being described as an “original event film” that has been created by and will be directed by Spielberg.
It is not revealed what the event film is. However, it was reported last month that Spielberg would reunite with frequent collaborator David Koepp for an original UFO movie that has been kept very secretive. The UFO movie is said to be based on Steven Spielberg’s own original idea and that David Koepp is writing the screenplay. Unfortunately, that would be all the information given at this point.
It is not revealed what the event film is. However, it was reported last month that Spielberg would reunite with frequent collaborator David Koepp for an original UFO movie that has been kept very secretive. The UFO movie is said to be based on Steven Spielberg’s own original idea and that David Koepp is writing the screenplay. Unfortunately, that would be all the information given at this point.
- 5/23/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
We had learned earlier this year that Steven Spielberg was reteaming with David Koepp (Jurassic Park) on an untitled “UFO film based on his own original idea,” and it would appear that Universal Pictures has dated that project for release this afternoon.
Universal will be bringing an untitled “original event film” from Steven Spielberg to theaters on May 15, 2026, which has David Koepp as the writer. It feels safe to say, all things considered, that this is the aforementioned UFO movie, but we’ve got no confirmation at this time.
Stay tuned for more on Spielberg’s mysterious new UFO movie as we learn it.
Interesting to note, Koepp is himself returning to his early roots with the next installment in the Jurassic World franchise. He’ll be writing next year’s untitled new installment.
Steven Spielberg is of course no stranger to extraterrestrial encounters, directing two of the greatest alien...
Universal will be bringing an untitled “original event film” from Steven Spielberg to theaters on May 15, 2026, which has David Koepp as the writer. It feels safe to say, all things considered, that this is the aforementioned UFO movie, but we’ve got no confirmation at this time.
Stay tuned for more on Spielberg’s mysterious new UFO movie as we learn it.
Interesting to note, Koepp is himself returning to his early roots with the next installment in the Jurassic World franchise. He’ll be writing next year’s untitled new installment.
Steven Spielberg is of course no stranger to extraterrestrial encounters, directing two of the greatest alien...
- 5/23/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
You know that feeling of watching someone ice skate for the first time? Or when a little kid finally tries riding their bicycle without training wheels? That's sort of the feeling I get watching Steven Spielberg's movie adaptation of "The Color Purple."
Make no mistake: Spielberg's 1985 film version of Alice Walker's 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, which he directed from a script by his eventual "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" co-writer Menno Meyjes, is quite lovely to look at; it's a Spielberg picture so that much goes without saying. Whoopi Goldberg is similarly splendid as the grown-up Celie Harris-Johnson, a queer Black woman living in early 20th-century Georgia who endures horrific abuse at the hands of the men in her life yet finds kindness, support, and love from the Black women around her.
It's not that Spielberg had never tackled a "serious" adult movie before that,...
Make no mistake: Spielberg's 1985 film version of Alice Walker's 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, which he directed from a script by his eventual "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" co-writer Menno Meyjes, is quite lovely to look at; it's a Spielberg picture so that much goes without saying. Whoopi Goldberg is similarly splendid as the grown-up Celie Harris-Johnson, a queer Black woman living in early 20th-century Georgia who endures horrific abuse at the hands of the men in her life yet finds kindness, support, and love from the Black women around her.
It's not that Spielberg had never tackled a "serious" adult movie before that,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Over the years, there have been a lot of filmmakers who have been game-changers when it comes to filmmaking. Michael Bay has been receiving audiences by presenting them with movies such as ‘Transformers’ and the ‘Bad Boys' series. Denis Villeneuve has been recently wowing his audiences with Sci-fi epics like ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and the 2021 adaptation of ‘Dune,". Steven Spielberg is well-known for being a movie maker who influenced filmmakers who rose to fame after him. Just like the director Ridley Scott, Spielberg is an adaptable screenwriter by experiments in almost any genre, and he continues to successfully do so. Things to do: Subscribe to The Hollywood Insider’s YouTube Channel, by clicking here. Limited Time Offer – Free Subscription to The Hollywood Insider Click here to read more on The Hollywood Insider’s vision, values and mission statement here – Media has the responsibility to better our world – The Hollywood Insider...
- 5/18/2024
- by Marco Castaneda
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
Paul Schrader has long been known for his gruff personality, but he was in good spirits and slightly nostalgic during the Saturday press conference at the Cannes Film Festival for his latest film, Oh, Canada, where he also revealed his next film.
Schrader’s iconic team-up with Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver, premiered at the festival, and the filmmaker has had several runs at the French fest since. This year’s Cannes sees the return of not only Schrader, but Francis Ford Coppola with Megalopolis and George Lucas, who will be on hand to receive an honorary Palme d’Or.
When asked if, at the time, he knew that he and the other directors that were dubbed “New Hollywood” were changing film forever, Schrader said bluntly: “Yes.”
He addressed that time of anxiety in the industry that saw many films failing at the box office. “When the late ’60s hit, studios...
Schrader’s iconic team-up with Martin Scorsese, Taxi Driver, premiered at the festival, and the filmmaker has had several runs at the French fest since. This year’s Cannes sees the return of not only Schrader, but Francis Ford Coppola with Megalopolis and George Lucas, who will be on hand to receive an honorary Palme d’Or.
When asked if, at the time, he knew that he and the other directors that were dubbed “New Hollywood” were changing film forever, Schrader said bluntly: “Yes.”
He addressed that time of anxiety in the industry that saw many films failing at the box office. “When the late ’60s hit, studios...
- 5/18/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you’re a fan of the Mission: Impossible franchise, you owe a debt of gratitude to none other than Steven Spielberg. That’s right, the legendary filmmaker, 77, not only inspired Tom Cruise to offer the directing gig to Brian De Palma for the first film in the series, but he also played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Cruise’s career.
Mission: Impossible, which was released in 1996, is one of Cruise’s most notable films. This marked not only his first work as a producer, but also his first serious attempt at a major franchise. But above all, it is an exceptional flick that set the standard for the greatest franchise that continues to this day.
Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible (1996) Image via Paramount Pictures
Back in 2021, during a chat with Collider, Cruise revealed that his close relationship with Spielberg had a profound impact on his decision...
Mission: Impossible, which was released in 1996, is one of Cruise’s most notable films. This marked not only his first work as a producer, but also his first serious attempt at a major franchise. But above all, it is an exceptional flick that set the standard for the greatest franchise that continues to this day.
Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible (1996) Image via Paramount Pictures
Back in 2021, during a chat with Collider, Cruise revealed that his close relationship with Spielberg had a profound impact on his decision...
- 5/14/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Steven Spielberg is undoubtedly one of the greatest voices in filmmaking today. Since the ’70s, he has proven himself to be a very competent director who can dabble in any filmmaking genre with ease. Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of The Lost Ark, Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park, The Color Purple, etc. are examples of his complete mastery over varied genres.
Melinda Dillon and Cary Guffey in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Spielberg tasted success early in his career with Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. When he decided to put a comedic spin on the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, many, including John Wayne, warned him that it would backfire on him. The underwhelming reception of the film led to a big realization of the mistakes that he made.
John Wayne’s Warning About 1941 Was The First Sign of the Film...
Melinda Dillon and Cary Guffey in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Spielberg tasted success early in his career with Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. When he decided to put a comedic spin on the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, many, including John Wayne, warned him that it would backfire on him. The underwhelming reception of the film led to a big realization of the mistakes that he made.
John Wayne’s Warning About 1941 Was The First Sign of the Film...
- 5/6/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
When Steven Spielberg set out to helm "1941" (a film John Wayne tried to stop him from making), he was seemingly unbeatable. Here was the man who invented the summer blockbuster with "Jaws," then followed it up with the big hit "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." He was on top of the world, and it felt like anything he put his name on was going to be a success. Then "1941" crashed and burned.
Sort of.
Here's the thing: in the grand scheme of things, "1941" was not relly a flop. However, because critics were mixed on the flick and it wasn't as big of a hit as Spielberg's previous two movies, it was seen as a failure. Spielberg the wunderkind was showing signs of fatigue. And to be fair, "1941" is definitely one of Spielberg's weaker efforts. Based very loosely on true events, the film follows several...
Sort of.
Here's the thing: in the grand scheme of things, "1941" was not relly a flop. However, because critics were mixed on the flick and it wasn't as big of a hit as Spielberg's previous two movies, it was seen as a failure. Spielberg the wunderkind was showing signs of fatigue. And to be fair, "1941" is definitely one of Spielberg's weaker efforts. Based very loosely on true events, the film follows several...
- 5/5/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
George Lucas gave birth to one of the greatest pop culture phenomena when he made Star Wars in 1977. The space-opera feature smashed box office records and established a new unique franchise. However, after the conclusion of the Original Trilogy, when Lucas released the Prequel Trilogy, things did not play out well.
Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor in Star Wars prequel trilogy
While the Original Trilogy of Star Wars was widely appreciated and still loved by the fans, the departure from the traditional style was disliked by many in the Prequel stories. Interestingly, George Lucas played a massive gamble by financing the second Prequel film, Attack of the Clones, which does not have a good name among the fans. It generated a mixed to negative reception worldwide.
George Lucas gambled by financing Star Wars: Episode II
A still from Attack of the Clones
After George Lucas made the Original Trilogy with Mark Hamill‘s Luke Skywalker,...
Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor in Star Wars prequel trilogy
While the Original Trilogy of Star Wars was widely appreciated and still loved by the fans, the departure from the traditional style was disliked by many in the Prequel stories. Interestingly, George Lucas played a massive gamble by financing the second Prequel film, Attack of the Clones, which does not have a good name among the fans. It generated a mixed to negative reception worldwide.
George Lucas gambled by financing Star Wars: Episode II
A still from Attack of the Clones
After George Lucas made the Original Trilogy with Mark Hamill‘s Luke Skywalker,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Subham Mandal
- FandomWire
While we gloat over the achievements of Tinseltown, we should ask ourselves if Schindler’s List, Steven Spielberg’s 1993 moving historical drama, could have come to fruition without the support of any super alliance. The Ohio-born director, 77, himself expressed his deep appreciation for the decisive support he received from none other than, George Lucas, his loyal comrade.
Earlier this year, Spielberg discussed in detail the paramount role that Lucas had in the creation of Schindler’s List. Indeed, thanks to Lucas and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, who was in the US completing Jurassic Park’s sound mixing, Spielberg was able to work effectively on the moving and impactful Holocaust flick.
Steven Spielberg | Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Spielberg even remembered saying, “George, I am in trouble”, when he reached out to Lucas. That being said, both Schindler’s List and Jurassic Park became timeless masterpieces because of Lucas’ helping hands and generosity.
Steven Spielberg...
Earlier this year, Spielberg discussed in detail the paramount role that Lucas had in the creation of Schindler’s List. Indeed, thanks to Lucas and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, who was in the US completing Jurassic Park’s sound mixing, Spielberg was able to work effectively on the moving and impactful Holocaust flick.
Steven Spielberg | Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Spielberg even remembered saying, “George, I am in trouble”, when he reached out to Lucas. That being said, both Schindler’s List and Jurassic Park became timeless masterpieces because of Lucas’ helping hands and generosity.
Steven Spielberg...
- 4/29/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
With the back-to-back blockbuster combo of "Jaws" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," Steven Spielberg had firmly established himself as a sui generis Hollywood visionary when, in 1978, he chose to make "1941." Most people consider this a near-disaster of a decision. The anarchic World War II comedy, set in panicked Southern California in the immediate wake of the assault on Pearl Harbor, was a 180-degree turn from the spirited adventure and childlike yearning of his previous two films. It was silly, vulgar and more than a little mean. And, most audaciously, it was making light of the country's understandably crazed reaction to an attack that killed thousands of U.S. military personnel.
Spielberg's co-conspirators in this juvenile affront to one of the worst days in 20th century American history were screenwriters John Milius, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale — and, really, all you have to do is watch "Used Cars...
Spielberg's co-conspirators in this juvenile affront to one of the worst days in 20th century American history were screenwriters John Milius, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale — and, really, all you have to do is watch "Used Cars...
- 4/27/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Signage at the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, CA.
Once again, it was time for our favorite film festival, the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival, and as usual, the Stars were shining brightly!
Movie lovers from around the globe descended upon Hollywood for the 15th edition of the festival, which took place Thursday, April 18 – Sunday, April 21. Over four packed days and nights, fans were treated to a lineup of great movies, appearances by legendary stars and filmmakers, fascinating presentations and panel discussions.
There were quite a few big-name notables, both on the red carpet and introducing some of our favorite classic films.
Thursday’s opening night gala was a stunner, with the 30th anniversary screening of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994). Many of the iconic film’s stars walked the red carpet for a reunion that included John Travolta, Samuel Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Harvey Keitel.
This set the...
Once again, it was time for our favorite film festival, the Turner Classic Movies Film Festival, and as usual, the Stars were shining brightly!
Movie lovers from around the globe descended upon Hollywood for the 15th edition of the festival, which took place Thursday, April 18 – Sunday, April 21. Over four packed days and nights, fans were treated to a lineup of great movies, appearances by legendary stars and filmmakers, fascinating presentations and panel discussions.
There were quite a few big-name notables, both on the red carpet and introducing some of our favorite classic films.
Thursday’s opening night gala was a stunner, with the 30th anniversary screening of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994). Many of the iconic film’s stars walked the red carpet for a reunion that included John Travolta, Samuel Jackson, Uma Thurman, and Harvey Keitel.
This set the...
- 4/24/2024
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Steven Spielberg has had a lifelong fascination with alien beings from beyond the stars. When the legendary director was just 17, he made a nearly two-and-a-half-hour epic on his 8mm camera called Firelight, a film that he more or less remade 14 years later as Close Encounters of the Third Kind. That 1977 classic would be the first of three professional movies Spielberg would make about aliens arriving on our planet, the other two being E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and War of the Worlds (2005). And each trip into the extraterrestrial has led to one of the director’s most successful and acclaimed films (we’re not counting 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull since Spielberg didn’t actually want aliens in the movie).
It’s also a subject that continues to fascinate the filmmaker, with Variety recently reporting that Spielberg’s next film is going to be another...
It’s also a subject that continues to fascinate the filmmaker, with Variety recently reporting that Spielberg’s next film is going to be another...
- 4/24/2024
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
Having directed the brilliant Arrival (2015), Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and the two Dune movies (2021 and 2024), Denis Villeneuve has already inscribed his name in cinematic history as the acclaimed sci-fi filmmaker.
Here are 7 movies, recommended by the director and available for watching on Prime Video, that guarantee a superior sci-fi experience.
1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
It comes as no surprise that this iconic Old Hollywood masterpiece is in Villeneuve’s list. According to his own admission, Kubrick’s epic space opera was his first "cinematic shock" that became his most favorite movie, inspiring him for his own science fiction works.
2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Steven Spielberg’s classic drama movie affected not only the 1980’s genre’s features, but also the Dune director’s cinema taste, entering him the world of the French New Wave by assembling Francois Truffaut in its cast, and, obviously, his love for sci-fi films.
3. Blade Runner...
Here are 7 movies, recommended by the director and available for watching on Prime Video, that guarantee a superior sci-fi experience.
1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
It comes as no surprise that this iconic Old Hollywood masterpiece is in Villeneuve’s list. According to his own admission, Kubrick’s epic space opera was his first "cinematic shock" that became his most favorite movie, inspiring him for his own science fiction works.
2. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Steven Spielberg’s classic drama movie affected not only the 1980’s genre’s features, but also the Dune director’s cinema taste, entering him the world of the French New Wave by assembling Francois Truffaut in its cast, and, obviously, his love for sci-fi films.
3. Blade Runner...
- 4/21/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Ava Raxa)
- STartefacts.com
When Steven Soderbergh saw this sci-fi film (with a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score) at Slamdance, which takes place on the same dates and in the same location as Sundance, the experienced filmmaker paid debut director Andrew Patterson the most priceless complement of all:
“In my mind, there are three components to directing that a filmmaker should have some grasp of. The first being narrative, the second being performance and the third being the camera. […] It’s rare to see somebody that […] had a grasp of all three, […] not only in one movie but in a first film.”
Maybe that's why Amazon Studios is patiently waiting for the next idea from a debutant who spent ten years thinking about his first movie and made it for only a million dollars.
In 2019, Andrew Patterson's The Vast of Night became one of the most unexpected online releases of the Covid pandemic. The movie that...
“In my mind, there are three components to directing that a filmmaker should have some grasp of. The first being narrative, the second being performance and the third being the camera. […] It’s rare to see somebody that […] had a grasp of all three, […] not only in one movie but in a first film.”
Maybe that's why Amazon Studios is patiently waiting for the next idea from a debutant who spent ten years thinking about his first movie and made it for only a million dollars.
In 2019, Andrew Patterson's The Vast of Night became one of the most unexpected online releases of the Covid pandemic. The movie that...
- 4/20/2024
- by zoe-wallace@startefacts.com (Zoe Wallace)
- STartefacts.com
Steven Spielberg is one maverick director among his contemporaries who has mastered every genre in the cinema handbook. The director has made intense thrillers, sci-fi dramas, historical/war epics, and comedies. Spielberg can do no wrong and as an ardent lover of cinema, he has no plans of slowing down.
Henry Thomas in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
His sci-fi flicks such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and A.I. Artificial Intelligence have been celebrated as some of the best entries in the genre. According to new reports, he is heading back to that genre yet again with his new film, and the recently released Dune: Part Two may have had a hand in Spielberg developing that itch.
Steven Spielberg Reportedly Returning to The Sci-Fi Genre With New UFO Film Steven Spielberg’s 1977 UFO film Close Encounters of the Third Kind was...
Henry Thomas in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
His sci-fi flicks such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and A.I. Artificial Intelligence have been celebrated as some of the best entries in the genre. According to new reports, he is heading back to that genre yet again with his new film, and the recently released Dune: Part Two may have had a hand in Spielberg developing that itch.
Steven Spielberg Reportedly Returning to The Sci-Fi Genre With New UFO Film Steven Spielberg’s 1977 UFO film Close Encounters of the Third Kind was...
- 4/18/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Veteran director Steven Spielberg’s follow-up to The Fabelmans will be a return to a subject that the filmmaker has history with: UFOs.
Since the release of The Fabelmans at the beginning of 2023, Steven Spielberg hasn’t announced his next project. As is always the case, we know the filmmaker has things cooking away: there’s the remake of Bullitt that looked to be in pole position to be the director’s next film to go in front of cameras. There’s also the Cape Fear TV series for Apple that he’s setting up with Martin Scorsese, not to mention the Ready Player One sequel that he will be stepping back from but still producing.
However, we didn’t know what Spielberg’s next directorial project until now. Variety is claiming that the veteran filmmaker’s next move is to ‘likely make his next project a UFO film based on his own original idea.
Since the release of The Fabelmans at the beginning of 2023, Steven Spielberg hasn’t announced his next project. As is always the case, we know the filmmaker has things cooking away: there’s the remake of Bullitt that looked to be in pole position to be the director’s next film to go in front of cameras. There’s also the Cape Fear TV series for Apple that he’s setting up with Martin Scorsese, not to mention the Ready Player One sequel that he will be stepping back from but still producing.
However, we didn’t know what Spielberg’s next directorial project until now. Variety is claiming that the veteran filmmaker’s next move is to ‘likely make his next project a UFO film based on his own original idea.
- 4/18/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Steven Spielberg is one of the most influential and celebrated directors of all time. He helped define the blockbuster, established the look and feel of '80s genre fare, and gave us the best (and possibly only well-shot) big-budget studio musical of the last decade. But despite getting his start in science fiction, Spielberg has mostly distanced himself from the genre in the past decade or so.
Still, Spielberg has remained an ardent fan of the genre, praising recent gems such as "Godzilla Minus One" and proclaiming his fandom for Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Two." Perhaps this has rekindled a passion for sci-fi in 77-year-old Spielberg, seeing as he's now getting ready to return to one of his favorite subjects — aliens.
According to Variety, Spielberg is likely going to "make his next project a UFO film based on his own original idea." David Koepp is writing the screenplay, according to the outlet's sources.
Still, Spielberg has remained an ardent fan of the genre, praising recent gems such as "Godzilla Minus One" and proclaiming his fandom for Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Two." Perhaps this has rekindled a passion for sci-fi in 77-year-old Spielberg, seeing as he's now getting ready to return to one of his favorite subjects — aliens.
According to Variety, Spielberg is likely going to "make his next project a UFO film based on his own original idea." David Koepp is writing the screenplay, according to the outlet's sources.
- 4/17/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Martin Scorsese is taking on biopics of both Jesus and a music god: Frank Sinatra.
The Oscar-winning auteur is rumored to be once more developing a biopic based on the legendary crooner — a project Scorsese’s been associated with before — with longtime collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio in talks to portray Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. Variety reported the news. DiCaprio recently starred in Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and also led other Scorsese-helmed biopics like “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “The Aviator.”
Variety noted that Frank Sinatra’s daughter Tina Sinatra controls her father’s estate and hasn’t yet approved a film adaptation of his life story. However, Scorsese is already looking to cast both DiCaprio and fellow Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence in the film, with Lawrence portraying screen star Ava Gardner, who was Sinatra’s second wife after Nancy Barbato. Lawrence and DiCaprio co-starred in “Don’t Look Up.
The Oscar-winning auteur is rumored to be once more developing a biopic based on the legendary crooner — a project Scorsese’s been associated with before — with longtime collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio in talks to portray Ol’ Blue Eyes himself. Variety reported the news. DiCaprio recently starred in Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and also led other Scorsese-helmed biopics like “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “The Aviator.”
Variety noted that Frank Sinatra’s daughter Tina Sinatra controls her father’s estate and hasn’t yet approved a film adaptation of his life story. However, Scorsese is already looking to cast both DiCaprio and fellow Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence in the film, with Lawrence portraying screen star Ava Gardner, who was Sinatra’s second wife after Nancy Barbato. Lawrence and DiCaprio co-starred in “Don’t Look Up.
- 4/17/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Fresh off baring his soul and telling his own life story in the Oscar-nominated movie The Fabelmans, Steven Spielberg is reportedly headed back into the world of extraterrestrials!
Variety notes in a report this week that Spielberg will “likely make his next project a UFO film based on his own original idea,” set to be written by David Koepp (Jurassic Park).
Interesting to note, Koepp is himself returning to his early roots with the next installment in the Jurassic World franchise. He’ll be writing next year’s untitled new installment.
Steven Spielberg is of course no stranger to extraterrestrial encounters, directing two of the greatest alien movies of all time: Close Encounters of the Third Kind in 1977 and E.T. in 1982. It’s an arena he returned to in 2005, directing an adaptation of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds.
Even more recently, Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment produced the Netflix docuseries “Encounters” last year,...
Variety notes in a report this week that Spielberg will “likely make his next project a UFO film based on his own original idea,” set to be written by David Koepp (Jurassic Park).
Interesting to note, Koepp is himself returning to his early roots with the next installment in the Jurassic World franchise. He’ll be writing next year’s untitled new installment.
Steven Spielberg is of course no stranger to extraterrestrial encounters, directing two of the greatest alien movies of all time: Close Encounters of the Third Kind in 1977 and E.T. in 1982. It’s an arena he returned to in 2005, directing an adaptation of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds.
Even more recently, Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment produced the Netflix docuseries “Encounters” last year,...
- 4/17/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Dan Goozee, the acclaimed artist who created posters for such films as Clash of the Titans, Superman IV and the James Bond movies Moonraker, Octopussy and A View to a Kill, has died. He was 80.
Goozee died April 7 at West Hills Hospital & Medical Center of an age-related condition he had battled for two years, his son, Rob, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The unassuming Goozee spent years as a Walt Disney Imagineering theme park consultant, crafting conceptual artwork for Disneyland Paris and Tokyo DisneySea, for Splash Mountain and Big Thunder rides, for the Imagination Pavilion and Seas Pavilion at Epcot and for the Tree of Life attraction at Animal Kingdom.
He also handled effects work for Battlestar Galactica (1978) and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979).
Born in 1943 in Astoria, Oregon, Daniel Goozee worked on weekends at movie theaters that his father and uncle owned and operated in nearby Seaside, then graduated...
Goozee died April 7 at West Hills Hospital & Medical Center of an age-related condition he had battled for two years, his son, Rob, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The unassuming Goozee spent years as a Walt Disney Imagineering theme park consultant, crafting conceptual artwork for Disneyland Paris and Tokyo DisneySea, for Splash Mountain and Big Thunder rides, for the Imagination Pavilion and Seas Pavilion at Epcot and for the Tree of Life attraction at Animal Kingdom.
He also handled effects work for Battlestar Galactica (1978) and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979).
Born in 1943 in Astoria, Oregon, Daniel Goozee worked on weekends at movie theaters that his father and uncle owned and operated in nearby Seaside, then graduated...
- 4/16/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Director Steven Spielberg has delivered many blockbusters, and has touched many lives with his art. The filmmaker is known for extremely personal films on a blockbuster scale, with films such as Jaws, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park being some of his most acclaimed films. He has also won the Oscar twice for Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan.
While Spielberg has been known for his blockbusters, he was also reportedly clairvoyant in predicting the cultural phenomenon that George Lucas’ Star Wars was going to be. The Indiana Jones filmmaker reportedly believed in the legendary space opera’s success even more than Lucas himself, who only believed that it was a hit after the first weekend.
Steven Spielberg Was The Only One Who Believed In Star Wars A still from Star Wars
George Lucas’ Star Wars became a pop cultural phenomenon upon its release in 1977. The beginning of a multi-billion dollar franchise,...
While Spielberg has been known for his blockbusters, he was also reportedly clairvoyant in predicting the cultural phenomenon that George Lucas’ Star Wars was going to be. The Indiana Jones filmmaker reportedly believed in the legendary space opera’s success even more than Lucas himself, who only believed that it was a hit after the first weekend.
Steven Spielberg Was The Only One Who Believed In Star Wars A still from Star Wars
George Lucas’ Star Wars became a pop cultural phenomenon upon its release in 1977. The beginning of a multi-billion dollar franchise,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
When interviewed by the Chicago Tribune in 1973, the critic and trailblazing French New Wave actor/filmmaker Francois Truffaut famously stated that he'd yet to see a truly "antiwar" movie, adding, "Every film about war ends up being pro-war." His argument, in essence, was that the very act of making war cinematic tends to infuse it with qualities that make it more entertaining and, as a result, less horrifying. In contrast to that, Truffaut's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" director Steven Spielberg -- then on the heels of helming his WWII drama "Saving Private Ryan" -- once told Newsweek that "every war movie, good or bad, is an antiwar movie." In his case, Spielberg reasoned that by portraying warfare as convincingly as plausible, it becomes impossible for a film to be pro-war since war is, itself, an inherently horrific thing.
If there's a middle ground between these two camps of thought,...
If there's a middle ground between these two camps of thought,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Anybody who has ever taken a stab at acting knows one aspect of the process deemed the absolute worst: the audition. Imagine stepping foot into a room filled with several people who are all there to judge you. Your looks, personality, emotions… every aspect of who you are on display for a room full of strangers. Well, in Hollywood, there is a legend of one audition that has been deemed the best put on tape. It was an audition for a new film by a director who was credited with single-handedly creating the summer blockbuster and who had a dream about crafting a more intimate family story about a kid and an alien. Imagine the immense pressure any actor, let alone a ten-year-old child, would be under to nail this audition. Yet this audition was so good that within seconds, the director, Steven Spielberg, uttered the words that would forever change this ten-year-old life: “Ok,...
- 4/5/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
We look ahead to Gareth Edwards’ Jurassic City, what it might be like, and how it connects to his very earliest work.
In the press tour for his 2023 sci-fi film The Creator, British director Gareth Edwards suggested that, after the bruising experiences of making 2014’s Godzilla and in particular 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, he wouldn’t rush to go back to studio filmmaking again.
Suggesting that both of those films had started production without finalised scripts, Edwards said as recently as January that “I have to concentrate on personal and original projects.”
This stance appeared to change rather abruptly just one month later, when Universal approached Edwards with the offer to direct the next Jurassic Park (or Jurassic World) sequel. Original director David Leitch had dropped out, and with the film’s production racing to meet a self-set 2025 release date, Universal Pictures needed a replacement in a...
In the press tour for his 2023 sci-fi film The Creator, British director Gareth Edwards suggested that, after the bruising experiences of making 2014’s Godzilla and in particular 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, he wouldn’t rush to go back to studio filmmaking again.
Suggesting that both of those films had started production without finalised scripts, Edwards said as recently as January that “I have to concentrate on personal and original projects.”
This stance appeared to change rather abruptly just one month later, when Universal approached Edwards with the offer to direct the next Jurassic Park (or Jurassic World) sequel. Original director David Leitch had dropped out, and with the film’s production racing to meet a self-set 2025 release date, Universal Pictures needed a replacement in a...
- 4/4/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
If the $579 million at the box office and 93% Rotten Tomatoes score weren’t enough, Quebecois director Denis Villeneuve got one of the greatest boosts one can receive in his field. None other than Steven Spielberg, who knows a thing or two about science fiction, interviewed the “Dune: Part Two” director for the DGA’s “Director’s Cut” podcast, and told him “you have made one of the most brilliant science fiction films I’ve ever seen.”
The creator of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” continued by extolling Villeneuve’s “world-building” prowess, by placing him on a Mount Olympus with several other greats. “Starting with [Georges] Méliès and Disney and Kubrick, George Lucas. Ray Harryhausen, I include in that list. Fellini built his own worlds. Tim Burton. Obviously Wes Anderson, Peter Jackson, James Cameron, Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, Guillermo del Toro. The list goes on but it...
The creator of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” continued by extolling Villeneuve’s “world-building” prowess, by placing him on a Mount Olympus with several other greats. “Starting with [Georges] Méliès and Disney and Kubrick, George Lucas. Ray Harryhausen, I include in that list. Fellini built his own worlds. Tim Burton. Obviously Wes Anderson, Peter Jackson, James Cameron, Christopher Nolan, Ridley Scott, Guillermo del Toro. The list goes on but it...
- 3/28/2024
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
“You have made one of the most brilliant science fiction films I’ve ever seen,” Steven Spielberg says to Denis Villeneuve. It’s fair to say he quite liked Dune: Part Two.
Steven Spielberg really liked Dune: Part Two. So much so that, in a podcast for the Directors Guild of America – simply called Director’s Cut – Spielberg said to its maker, Denis Villeneuve, “It’s an honour for me to sit here and talk to you.”
Spielberg – no slouch when it comes to making sci-fi films himself – then said, “You have made one of the most brilliant science fiction films I have ever seen.”
Comparing Villeneuve favourably to other filmmakers who are “builders of worlds,” including Ray Harryhausen, Stanley Kubrick and Ridley Scott, to name a few, Spielberg then went on to talk about Dune: Part Two’s sandworm taming sequence.
“This is a desert-loving story, but for such...
Steven Spielberg really liked Dune: Part Two. So much so that, in a podcast for the Directors Guild of America – simply called Director’s Cut – Spielberg said to its maker, Denis Villeneuve, “It’s an honour for me to sit here and talk to you.”
Spielberg – no slouch when it comes to making sci-fi films himself – then said, “You have made one of the most brilliant science fiction films I have ever seen.”
Comparing Villeneuve favourably to other filmmakers who are “builders of worlds,” including Ray Harryhausen, Stanley Kubrick and Ridley Scott, to name a few, Spielberg then went on to talk about Dune: Part Two’s sandworm taming sequence.
“This is a desert-loving story, but for such...
- 3/28/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two has enthralled audiences worldwide and the film is also doing great business at the box office. The film expanded the Dune lore and evolved the characters from the first film. Just like Part 1, Villeneuve presented Dune: Part Two in a visual awe-inspiring way with great character depth and narrative coherence.
A still from Dune: Part Two
Various filmmakers including Christopher Nolan have heaped praises on the brilliance of the film and Villeneuve’s capabilities as a director. Steven Spielberg, who is known for making some of the greatest sci-fi films over the years, has joined the bandwagon of Dune 2 admirers, calling it one of the best sci-films ever made.
Steven Spielberg Was Blown Away By Dune 2‘s Sandworm Surfing Scene
Steven Spielberg is very impressed by the filmmaking that has gone into making Dune 2
Ever since its release, Dune: Part Two...
A still from Dune: Part Two
Various filmmakers including Christopher Nolan have heaped praises on the brilliance of the film and Villeneuve’s capabilities as a director. Steven Spielberg, who is known for making some of the greatest sci-fi films over the years, has joined the bandwagon of Dune 2 admirers, calling it one of the best sci-films ever made.
Steven Spielberg Was Blown Away By Dune 2‘s Sandworm Surfing Scene
Steven Spielberg is very impressed by the filmmaking that has gone into making Dune 2
Ever since its release, Dune: Part Two...
- 3/27/2024
- by Rahul Thokchom
- FandomWire
Steven Spielberg has weighed in on Dune: Part Two, and the iconic filmmaker had some strong praise for director Denis Villeneuve’s sequel — and for one scene in particular.
The duo appeared together on DGA’s Director’s Cut podcast, where the filmmaker behind sci-fi classics Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. The Extra Terrestrial heaped praise on the Dune and Arrival director.
“This is truly a visual epic, and it’s also filled with deeply, deeply drawn characters,” Spielberg said. “Yet the dialogue is very sparse when you look at it proportionately to the running time of the film. It’s such cinema. The shots are so painterly, yet there’s not an angle or single setup that’s pretentious … you have made one of the most brilliant science fiction films I have ever seen.”
Spielberg also got detailed in his praise for the blockbuster film. “There...
The duo appeared together on DGA’s Director’s Cut podcast, where the filmmaker behind sci-fi classics Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. The Extra Terrestrial heaped praise on the Dune and Arrival director.
“This is truly a visual epic, and it’s also filled with deeply, deeply drawn characters,” Spielberg said. “Yet the dialogue is very sparse when you look at it proportionately to the running time of the film. It’s such cinema. The shots are so painterly, yet there’s not an angle or single setup that’s pretentious … you have made one of the most brilliant science fiction films I have ever seen.”
Spielberg also got detailed in his praise for the blockbuster film. “There...
- 3/27/2024
- by James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Steven Spielberg had nothing but praise for “Dune: Part Two” while interviewing Denis Villeneuve on the latest episode of the DGA’s “Director’s Cut” podcast. The Oscar winner told Villeneuve that “you have made one of the most brilliant science-fiction films I’ve ever seen,” which is high praise coming from the mastermind behind “E.T: Extra Terrestrial” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” And that wasn’t the only praise Spielberg bestowed upon the “Dune” director.
“It’s an honor for me to sit here and talk to you,” Spielberg said. “Let me start by saying there are filmmakers who are the builders of worlds. It’s not a long list and we know who a lot of them are. Starting with [Georges] Méliès and Disney and Kubrick, George Lucas. Ray Harryhausen I include in that list. Fellini built his own worlds. Tim Burton. Obviously Wes Anderson, Peter Jackson,...
“It’s an honor for me to sit here and talk to you,” Spielberg said. “Let me start by saying there are filmmakers who are the builders of worlds. It’s not a long list and we know who a lot of them are. Starting with [Georges] Méliès and Disney and Kubrick, George Lucas. Ray Harryhausen I include in that list. Fellini built his own worlds. Tim Burton. Obviously Wes Anderson, Peter Jackson,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Steven Spielberg is undoubtedly one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. The filmmaker has captivated audiences for over five decades with his entertaining and deeply impactful stories along with introducing hit franchises like Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park. However, despite his illustrious career, there’s one coveted project he has been unable to tackle, a James Bond film.
Steven Spielberg | Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Multiple iterations of the character have been brought to the screen by several filmmakers and actors throughout the years. Although Spielberg expressed interest in making a film with a beloved character, his offers were met with rejection from the franchise’s producers.
Steven Spielberg Faced Rejections From the James Bond Producer
Steven Spielberg has shared that he is a “huge [James] Bond fan.” And during a conversation on Michael Ball’s BBC Radio 2, the filmmaker revealed that he even approached the franchise’s producer to direct a James Bond film.
Steven Spielberg | Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Multiple iterations of the character have been brought to the screen by several filmmakers and actors throughout the years. Although Spielberg expressed interest in making a film with a beloved character, his offers were met with rejection from the franchise’s producers.
Steven Spielberg Faced Rejections From the James Bond Producer
Steven Spielberg has shared that he is a “huge [James] Bond fan.” And during a conversation on Michael Ball’s BBC Radio 2, the filmmaker revealed that he even approached the franchise’s producer to direct a James Bond film.
- 3/26/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Possibly the greatest collection of films for a modern classic showcase is about to take place at the TCM Classic Film Festival. The Wrap has revealed that the channel Turner Classic Movies, which is dedicated to unaltered, unedited film broadcasts of renowned movies in the history of cinema, has revealed the list of titles and guest appearances that will be featured at this year’s festival. The festival this year will be commemorating the 30th anniversary of the network. The TCM Classic Festival will be taking place in Los Angeles on April 18-21.
The event will screen the world premiere of a brand-new restoration of the 1995 film Se7en, the dark crime thriller starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. Director David Fincher will be there personally to unveil the film in IMAX. Another big screening will be the director’s cut of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which will play...
The event will screen the world premiere of a brand-new restoration of the 1995 film Se7en, the dark crime thriller starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. Director David Fincher will be there personally to unveil the film in IMAX. Another big screening will be the director’s cut of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which will play...
- 3/22/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
For those of us who remember going to the movies in 1977, we were treated to Star Wars, Smokey And The Bandit, The Spy Who Loved Me, Airport 77, The Car, Orca and Capricorn One. There was a rich wealth of movies to choose from and a time when audiences in their local cinemas would cheer and clap for the heroes. Then on December 14, 1977, coming off the success of Jaws, that director Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi masterpiece graced the screens. Close Encounters Of The Third Kind was the filmmaker’s next movie and, along with star Richard Dreyfuss and the magnificent score from composer John Williams, took audiences on a journey of mankind’s first meeting with aliens and let us know we are not alone in the universe.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning for Best Cinematography by Director of Photography Vilmos Zsigmond (The Sugarland Express...
Close Encounters of the Third Kind was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning for Best Cinematography by Director of Photography Vilmos Zsigmond (The Sugarland Express...
- 3/21/2024
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The 2024 TCM Film Festival is ringing in its 15th anniversary with a slew of star-studded panels and premieres.
The festival, which takes place in Los Angeles from April 18 to 21, will kick off with a special 35mm screening of “Pulp Fiction” with actor John Travolta in attendance. This year’s festival theme is “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film,” and fittingly, the festival boasts a cast reunion of prison escape drama “The Shawshank Redemption” with stars Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins.
Both “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Pulp Fiction” are celebrating 30 years since their respective 1994 releases.
The festival will close with Mel Brooks’ “Spaceballs,” with Brooks presenting the feature.
Additional programming includes the world premiere of the IMAX restoration of David Fincher’s “Se7en,” a restoration of “The Searchers” courtesy of Warner Bros. and The Film Foundation with Oscar-nominated writer/director Alexander Payne introducing the film, and “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings presenting the U.
The festival, which takes place in Los Angeles from April 18 to 21, will kick off with a special 35mm screening of “Pulp Fiction” with actor John Travolta in attendance. This year’s festival theme is “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film,” and fittingly, the festival boasts a cast reunion of prison escape drama “The Shawshank Redemption” with stars Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins.
Both “The Shawshank Redemption” and “Pulp Fiction” are celebrating 30 years since their respective 1994 releases.
The festival will close with Mel Brooks’ “Spaceballs,” with Brooks presenting the feature.
Additional programming includes the world premiere of the IMAX restoration of David Fincher’s “Se7en,” a restoration of “The Searchers” courtesy of Warner Bros. and The Film Foundation with Oscar-nominated writer/director Alexander Payne introducing the film, and “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings presenting the U.
- 3/21/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Those attending the 15th annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood next month will have an opportunity to engage with Mel Brooks and Vitaphone, both born in 1926. One’s extinct, the other’s still going strong.
While Brooks, 97, will be on hand for a closing-night screening of his 1987 comedy Spaceballs, six Vitaphone vaudeville shorts from the 1920s will be projected in 35mm, with sound played back from their original 16-inch discs on a turntable designed and engineered by Warner Bros.’ postproduction engineering department.
Also announced Thursday:
• Steven Spielberg will participate in a Q&a with Howard Suber — the UCLA faculty member at the center of the recent six-part TCM documentary The Power of Film — ahead of a director’s cut of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977);
• Nancy Meyers and Alexander Payne, respectively, will introduce world premiere restorations of Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959) and John Ford’s The Searchers...
While Brooks, 97, will be on hand for a closing-night screening of his 1987 comedy Spaceballs, six Vitaphone vaudeville shorts from the 1920s will be projected in 35mm, with sound played back from their original 16-inch discs on a turntable designed and engineered by Warner Bros.’ postproduction engineering department.
Also announced Thursday:
• Steven Spielberg will participate in a Q&a with Howard Suber — the UCLA faculty member at the center of the recent six-part TCM documentary The Power of Film — ahead of a director’s cut of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977);
• Nancy Meyers and Alexander Payne, respectively, will introduce world premiere restorations of Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959) and John Ford’s The Searchers...
- 3/21/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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