3 Biggest Failures of Steven Spielberg’s Career: Does He Regret Making These Movies?
One of the most well-known directors in the world, Steven Spielberg’s films have had an enormous impact on viewers all around the world. People of all ages adore the collection of outstanding movies he has made with his masterful storytelling and innovative directing. He has accomplished some splendid things with his films, whether it be introducing us to aliens through his movie ET, creating in us a dread of the ocean with his film Jaws, or taking us on an adventure with Indiana Jones.
But even a great filmmaker like him has experienced professional setbacks. He once acknowledged that one of his most highly regarded movies may have disappointed him personally. Spielberg acknowledges that despite his achievements, even the most talented artists can face challenges in their professional lives.
In the documentary Spielberg, acclaimed director Steven Spielberg candidly discussed three of his films that he may have done differently if given a second opportunity.
1. Steven Spielberg felt timid while making the movie The Color Purple
One of the movies made by Steven Spielberg The Color Purple, was well-received by critics and had a mediocre box office success. Steven Spielberg acknowledged that handling Alice Walker’s book as the primary material made him feel hesitant and a little embarrassed. “I was timid. I was just a little embarrassed,” he said.
Some people who felt that a black director should have taken on the project criticized the movie. Some people also believed that Spielberg’s adaptation was safer than the novel. In spite of this, Spielberg insisted that he made an effort to remain true to the spirit of Walker’s book and that Walker herself was supportive of the film’s creation. Spielberg cherished the experience and the chance of capturing Walker’s stirring story for the big screen, even if he accepted the criticism and admitted to producing the movie he wanted to create.
2. 1941 was Steven Spielberg’s least favorite movie
The renowned director Steven Spielberg once ranked his picture 1941 among his least favorite works. The 1979 film was a comedy on the events leading up to Pearl Harbor. Sadly, when it was released, the majority of the reviews from critics were unfavorable.
Spielberg admitted that creating the movie was quite an experience, and he even made light of the scathing criticism it received by saying that it seemed like he had committed a war crime. Unexpectedly, he also disclosed that the film’s studio offered him unlimited creative freedom and barely interfered with the production.
In retrospect, Spielberg acknowledged that this might have been a mistake and that they need to have held him back a little. Even though he mockingly referred to it as “the first comedy ever made without laughs,” he nonetheless loved creating the comedy.
3. Steven Spielberg considered Empire of the Sun as his third biggest failure
The 1987 World War II drama, Empire of the Sun directed by Steven Spielberg and starring a teenage Christian Bale wasn’t precisely a success, but it also wasn’t a big hit either. Some critics claimed that Spielberg’s naive, sentimental style had come to an end in the career documentary. The movie, which was narrated by a young child, still had Spielberg’s trademark sentimentality, but it also explored some darker subjects, making it one of his more depressing productions.
Some reviewers thought Spielberg was trying to be serious after his series of box office hits when it was first released. It seems that he intended to present a different side of himself to the public as a more experienced and mature filmmaker.
There were conflicting responses, and Spielberg felt stung by the criticism since he believed that it was being said, “How dare you!” However, the film has grown in popularity over time and is now regarded by many as one of his more successful works.
Source: Showbiz Cheatsheet
