STEVEN SPIELBERG [1947]
American filmmaker, Steven
Spielberg is the most acclaimed and the ever popular living entertainer of the late 20th
century. Emerged as creative moviemaker in 1970; today, he is not only a successful
producer-director but also a household name and a veritable brand the world over.
His films have shallow
story lines but with his cutting edge filmmaking technique and spellbinding special
effects, he has produced a series of blockbusters. From Jaws
to Jurassic Park, Spielberg has never failed to amaze and amuse the audiences. He
combines mass appeal with stylistic mastery to create a visual fusion that appeals
filmgoers ranging from the restless kids to scholarly critics. With his obsession for
quality and habit of paying attention to detail, he has created the most popular body of
work any director has ever produced in the history of Hollywood.
His films display two most
significant elements of human nature – wonder and hope. The typical Spielberg hero is
drawn to discovery and the key shot is the revelation of the wonder he has discovered.
Spielberg uses reflexivity and intertextuality to enhance the meaning of his films. Hence,
using elements of science fiction (sci-fi) and fantasy he avoids heavy ideas to propound
inspirational feelings, particularly childlike wonder and optimism.
Aggressive commercialism
and childlike simplicity of his films have come to dominate the world’s film
industry. Spielberg has not only succeeded as director and producer but also as a complete
entertainer. With his venture Dreamworks SKG, a media company, he has excelled in every
medium that convergent technologies have created including interactive games, television
software, live action, music and animation for films.
As he successfully churns
out box-office hits one after another; his dream of producing the greatest entertainment,
and influencing masses seems to have come true.
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