Steven Spielberg, a legendary filmmaker, had a unique experience that almost made him quit the film industry. In 1972, he watched Francis Ford Coppola’s classic film, “The Godfather”, which had a profound impact on his self-confidence. At the time, Spielberg was a young and relatively unknown director, struggling to make a name for himself in the competitive film industry.
Coppola’s masterpiece, “The Godfather”, was a phenomenal success, earning numerous awards and accolades. Watching it, Spielberg felt overwhelmed by the sheer scale and complexity of the film. He felt like he could never create anything as good and began to doubt his own abilities. The experience left a lasting impression on the young filmmaker, making him feel like he would never be able to match Coppola’s level of storytelling quality.
Steven Spielberg (Via IMDB)
Despite this setback, Spielberg’s career took a turn for the better. He went on to direct the film “The Sugarland Express” in 1974 and then the blockbuster “Jaws” in 1975, which cemented his reputation as a filmmaker worth watching. Spielberg continued to deliver hits, including “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial”, and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”. As his confidence in his abilities grew, so did his willingness to experiment with new techniques and push the boundaries of storytelling.
Spielberg’s experience was not unique, as he shared it with fellow filmmakers, including George Lucas, Brian De Palma, and Martin Scorsese. The New Hollywood movement, of which they were a part, saw a group of friends and collaborators supporting each other and encouraging each other to take creative risks. Coppola’s influence can be seen in many of Spielberg’s films, and his work continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers.
