Steven Spielberg - Genius or Overrated?

[PurposeDriven]

I think he is a great director, who can tell a story better than anyone else right now. He is a master of his craft and should have a special award named for him in the Oscars when he passes. My Hero! *:)

[Phil]

I second that, and apologize for any unthought jokes heh
(you were serious!)

[PurposeDriven]

I have to stick up for my Stevie! :P

[Phil]

TRUE...

btw I loved Ed Wood...noone else i know does, but i do...

[J.R. Hudson]

Genious. *Quite possibly the the most important thing to ever happen to filmmaking. *In fact, he is the reason I want to make films.

Was Amistad not overlooked or what?

[Phil]

I really liked the feel and everything about Minority Report.

[PurposeDriven]

It was totally John. I agree with his importance and am with you on why I want to make films as well.

TheAmPro, EdWood rocked my world, as if you couldn't tell! ;D

[David Jimerson]

Genius or overrated? He can't be anything in between?

[Elvis]

What can I say "Dual" started it all for me! 8)

[Mike_Donis]

I think he's an overrated genious.

No single person can live up to his fame, let's think about it, who DOESN'T know spielberg? He's more famous than most actors, and is thought of as a film God.

Well, he IS that good. But he does bring about him an air that seems to be "out of this world" when people refer to him...

That said, Over-rated isnt the right word. Genious is...but I wouldn't go so far as to say he's perfect (though nobody here has, many people I know do). I normally end up speaking against him by the intense praise most people give him, most people who don't know the names (or films) of ANY other directors. The speaking against him, however, comes from the thought that he is "perfect". He isn't. But no filmmaker is.

Whether or not I would say he is my FAVOURITE director, or whether he is even the BEST director however, I would say that yes, he is :D

[J.R. Hudson]

He's a childhood idol of mine. As I have matured and learned about the craft of filmmaking I have moved on to respect and love other directors bodies of work.

Im not a fanatic over Spielberg and do not necasarily think everything he touches is gold (in fact there are some films he does where I think: Dude, what were you thinking? Youre Spielberg). But he is most definatley my first FILMMAKING hero.

Jaws, Raiders, Close Encounters...

Not my favorite Director as used to be when I was this little naive child but still respectfully a God.

[Mike_Donis]

I gotcha. I agree, too. Hes DAMN GOOD. And I wasn't referring to you guys, I was just referring to his "image" of being a completely untouchable source of all things good. He is just a man, albeit one that KICKS ASS at filmmaking.

And, if you asked me, I *would* say that he was my favourite director.

[kai]

He is one of my definite favs... but I also don't fall into the "spielberg be thy name" camp, because I always realize he's just one piece of the pie in making those incredible films (granted a big piece). It's sure not him operating the cams, doing the post and audio, etc.... He can't do it alone.

[PurposeDriven]

Don't worry. He is making The War of the Worlds, the remake of the H.G. Wells novel. So you can have your "Old Spielberg back" However. If you ever see the way he works, the way he can visualize exactly what he wants. The man, if he had to, I think could do any job involved in production. Post, that's different. I think he could tell the editor what goes where, just the operation would be done by the editor. Regardless, he has done almost every type of film, and there is nothing he can't do. People tend to compain about him being overrated because every kid knows spielberg, but does anyone know Christoper Nolan? Darren Aronofsky? David Fincher? (of course some of you will) But the point is, people tend to like the "underground" people, just like in music. You want to believe that you are one of the only people who know about them. With that said, Steven could still whip any director from start to finish on almost any film. Whatever he touches turns to gold, true, he has a tight nit crew, but he also has the mind to know exactly what he wants, and what he wants is the most creative thing in film. IMHO

[David Jimerson]

Spielberg is a visual master, no question. But on his most visually appealing movies, the stories and characters are generally pretty flat.

Case in point -- Private Ryan. The story was ludicrous, even if based on something vaguely true. Risking 8 highly-trained Rangers to save one infantryman? And the characters were ALL walking stereotypes -- the Italian kid, the Jewish kid, the Brooklyn smartass (who I heard went on to open a string of online electronics stores?), etc.. Not to mention the fairly corny dialogue and overly gushy bookends. Now, don't get me wrong -- I think pride in America is a good, and wrongfully eschewed, theme in cinema -- but I also think bookends are a weak narrative device.

That's just one movie. You can find recurring instances of it up and down his repertoire.

That's not to say I don't love a good number of his flicks, and he has penned some pretty rockin' scripts (Poltergeist, anyone?). And I wouldn't call him "overrated," because he delivers the goods. But I'm not ready to deify him just yet.

[PurposeDriven]

Nobody said the word deify, however, just becasue a movie didn't reach to you on a personal level that doesn't make it bad. I thought the movie was well done, should have won best picture now that you mention that film. Then he went on to Exec Produce Band of Brothers, which rocked the house and was better than Saving Private Ryan. They had the sterotypes as well, but the thing is, that's life. That's how it was, shouldn't expect all the kids from the old neigborhood to enlist and stay together. You got every kind of person, asian-americans, african americans, jews.... they all fought together, interwoven in their companies, platoons, and squads. Anywho, your opinion is a good one, because everybody gets one and is entitled to it, but I think most people who argue with his "greatness" may just be listing excuses just because we all like to argue, but we feel that he is a great director, the best there was/is and we respect him. Just want to give the man credit where credit is due.

**Fun Info**
Produced: 91 films
Directed: 44films
Writer: 13 films + misc. books and tv content
Editor: 9 films (including - Goonies and Poltergeist)

So take that with ya. All info was found on www.imdb.com

[vovka]

I like to watch films by Steven Spielberg , they fun, entertained, but call it genius work, is to strong. This is subjective, but none of his film pulling back, it's like a read good book, that you don't mind to read again, but had no impact on your life, or decitions you making. I still don't care about sharks ( living in Utah, may effect this also ), I don't belive in ET, and was disapoint with Delorian gone out of bussines.Today he is overrated and fans will make golden idol from almost any work he produce.
He is talanted,very good director, but not a genius.

[J.R. Hudson]

WAR OF THE WORLDS will be epic but I (DARE I SAY...) I'd like to see another director tackle this one. As much as I love Steven (see above post) I want my War of the Worlds to be a serious scifi/horror/adventure and not RATED PG-13.

I pretty much agree with every take above. The older I get the less interested in Spielberg I seem to be; his films dont make me want to rush to the theatre anymore like in the old days when it was a "STEVEN SPIELBERG presents" situation.

We've talked about this before as well; INDY 4 is coming and I have a feelig ti will suck like LAST CRUSADE (think campy, silly and all fun and games) unlike the original RAIDERS which just plain ole kicked major ass.

I loved Privatre Ryan but would liked to have seen another story within this EPIC of WW2. Hell, just give me a WW2 film; I dont need the private being saved.

[David Jimerson]

I *liked* Private Ryan on a personal level; I was deconstructing it on an objective one (characterization, writing, etc.).

Spielberg had a lot to do with some of my most beloved movies (Raiders, Jurassic, Young Sherlock Holmes, Poltergeist, Jaws), and I give him all the props due. But he's first and foremost a popcorn flick maker, and his forays into the very serious don't quite have the visual magic in them that his others do (here, I'm thinking Color Purple, Amistad, and even List).

[J.R. Hudson]

Well put Jubal.

[David Jimerson]

;)

[Anartiste]

I'd love to see a guerilla film by Steven Spielberg. I think dinosauruses should get back to small budget films from time to time, just to refresh their creativity. Like Hitchcock did with "Psycho", or Danny Boyle with "28 Days Later". Those are superb films. In little productions like that, the difference between great directors and the other ones appears much more vividly than in the billion-dollar machineries.

I liked Minority Report at first sight, but not that much the second time : always too much, too much, too much. Lacks humanity, simplicity. The script was great though — except for those crappy two final minutes, after Max Von Sidow commits suicide and everything turns out perfect all of a sudden, miraculously.

Stevus Ex Machina.

His addiction to happy endings is the major criticism I can make to his work — a crucial one. Too much sugar ; not enough bitter tastes.

But of course, if we talk about mere directing — turning a script into images and sound — well... he's a God, a genius, a diamond with a beard.

[David Jimerson]

Someone has to say it . . .

Hook.

:-X

[J.R. Hudson]

Ouch. Hook is an annomaly. Why? Why was it made?!

[Phil]

...when i was younger i knew every word...heh

[PurposeDriven]

He has kids, directors always go through some kind of change with kids. None of us who saw it when we were younger can say we didn't think hook was amazing. Chanting RUFIO, RUFIO, RUUFIIIOOOOO! He got me as a kid, and that's what he was aiming for. If I watched it now older, I bet I would see some more adult oriented content that I didn't see before. True it's Not Schindler, or Jurrasic, but it was fun, well shot, and entertaining.

[J.R. Hudson]

True that. True that.

[Dan_Lahav]

Spielberg is the man! One of the best directors of our time

[BLWolf]

Spielberg is arguably the greatest director of our time (or at least the most bankable). I think his visual prowess and storytelling abililty are truly amazing and might be second to none. He is very gifted and I admire him quite a bit.

But, it's only fair to give mad props to John Williams who has contributed in no small way to the success of Spielberg's films. Music is so very important to a film and who can forget the themes to Jaws, Close Encounters, Raiders, etc.


BLW

[David Jimerson]

Been there. Truly one of the most spectacular sights you can behold.

[BLWolf]

In ref to John Williams contribution, the same can especialy be said for Lucas. I cannot imagine Star Wars without that awesome and perfectly fitting music.


Roger that.

[PurposeDriven]

Well, I think that willaims had a larger impact on Lucas then Steven. His music was great in ET, INDY, all the films. But, I think that stevens vision is what made him great. If I were to give a percenage of what I thought "made" steven great, it would be. 75% Steve's Vision, 15% the crew he works with, and 5% score. I didn't put a lot of time into that, but that sounds about right.

[PaleRider]

John Williams contributed 90% of the overall greatness on all the films mentioned above. Just turn the volume down and watch Indiana Jones without the music. You'd be better off knocking out your front teeth with a shovel.

So Say I.

[David Jimerson]

This "So Say I" thing is gonna get real old, real quick.

Just so ya know.

:-*

[PaleRider]

So Say I signifies an ending of thought. A completion of suggestion. It's a whole lot better than a dumb smiling face, JUST SO YA KNOW

[David Jimerson]

:-*

[PaleRider]

David, Get over the happy face, it's only a charade.

[David Jimerson]

;D ;D

[BLWolf]

This "So Say I" thing is gonna get real old, real quick.

Just so ya know.

:-*


LOL. Very true.

I've seen that around 8-9 times and every time I see it I have to shake my head at how ridiculous it is. ::)

[David Jimerson]

Yup.

[PaleRider]

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa! The man just used a buck toothed happy face, and that doesn't make you shake your head, wishing you only had a screw driver in hand, ready to drive it through your skull?

[PaleRider]

Let's get serious here. Does any one want to make a claim about Speilberg and Williams? Anybody? Anybody at all?

[BLWolf]

I already did. :)


But, I wouldn't make Williams' contribution 90% responsible for the success of the films. That's way too high. But then, I'm sure you were probably exaggerating for effect anyway.

[PaleRider]

Good Claim.

[kai]

yeah. they both suck.

[kai]

oh wait... forgot the ending:

:) ;) :) ;) :) ;) :) ;) :) ;)

[BLWolf]

Yeah, Spielberg and Williams? They're both hacks. ;):D

[David Jimerson]

;D ;D ;D ;D

[PurposeDriven]

Oh you guys. This kind of reminds me of Jay and Silent Bob, and you better watch out, becuase Spielberg and Williams are going to come down to your house and say,

"Do you post on DVXuser.com as BLwolf?" -THem

"Yeah" -You

They nod to each other, toss the sheet of paper to the side and kick your ass. :) Well, that might not happen, however, they will go on to make some more kick ass films, and some of you will be complaining about how not-talented they are... Hmmm... 8)

[BLWolf]

LOL. Spielberg and Williams coming to my house and kicking my ass? That'd be cool! :D :D

[kai]

I'm keeping the dvx at the ready by the front door... that'd sell pretty well i'm sure.

[Guest]

This really depends on how you view cinema.

Either way you look at it, the man's no genius. His films have the intellectual depth of a 6th grade American Civ essay, and he's really done nothing innovative at all in either content or style.

On the other hand, he's a good entertainer, and if your interest in cinema is purely for escapism, he's a master of it. I look at Spielberg as the "Barnum & Bailey" of the film world.

Of course, I'm more into the "Jackson Pollocks", so I hate him :)

[J.R. Hudson]

His films have the intellectual depth of a 6th grade American Civ essay, and he's really done nothing innovative at all in either content or style. -----------

Empire of the Sun
Color Purple
ET
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Jaws
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Schindler's List
Saving Private Ryan

Really? You really feel that way? Look, I agree. He is a Circus Leader and knows how to Entertain and not everything he does is gold (I am never myopic) but even a few of these films? Saving Private Ryan wasn't innovative? Saving Private Ryan didn't re-write the the rules and set the standard for the War Film?

Huh?

[David Jimerson]

Sounds like someone's being too clever by half.

[J.R. Hudson]

half a brain maybe

[ZFarms Productions]

i think he's a genius... all i wish is that he would do a dvd commentary

[Ought2bCommitted]

This really depends on how you view cinema.

Either way you look at it, the man's no genius. His films have the intellectual depth of a 6th grade American Civ essay, and he's really done nothing innovative at all in either content or style.

On the other hand, he's a good entertainer, and if your interest in cinema is purely for escapism, he's a master of it. I look at Spielberg as the "Barnum & Bailey" of the film world.

Of course, I'm more into the "Jackson Pollocks", so I hate him :)

COLOR PURPLE.

EMPIRE OF THE SUN.

I don't think these are films many sixth graders would "get".

Spielberg knows how to entertain the masses, but also knows how to challenge us and get under our skin. Not every movie has to be a "message movie". Sometimes I want WELL DONE, WELL EXECUTED escapism... Spielberg's library offers both to me.

-Robert

yeah, I think he's a master director. No one has a hit everytime, but his success record speaks for itself.

Another case of looking down on someon'e work because its either popular or the person in question is super successful, IMO. In this case, Mr. S has the talent to back up his successes.

[xl70e3]

Duh the title of this thread alone should have made me ignore it... why am I even posting here...

[Ought2bCommitted]

Duh the title of this thread alone should have made me ignore it... why am I even posting here...

I dunno. :thumbsup:

[CallaghanFilms]

Yeah I've managed to ignore this blasphemous thread for months now...

oops, I just posted in it, didn't I? :huh:

The man was a god to me growing up, and continues to inspire me more and more.

[Pen Cap Chew]

He's made so many great films it's boggling (is that a word?). The deep deep love for his craft is what enables him to be so prolific / great at it. He's made some clunkers tho. "Always" is one of the worst films, as is "Hook", and "A.I." was pretty bad. But considering all the good and great films he has made, he is damn-near a genius. And his mom is a sweety. She must have something to do with all his talent.

[Ralph Oshiro]

Genius. Possibly one of the most UNDERrrated directors due to his commercial success. He's able to manipulate viewers' emotions like no one else.

[LloydC]

genius.

[Emanuel]

Genius or overrated? He can't be anything in between? :thumbup:

[OLBoy]

Genius.

[MovieSwede]

Genius. Possibly one of the most UNDERrrated directors due to his commercial success. He's able to manipulate viewers' emotions like no one else.

Agree on that one. If a director becomes to commercial, people tend to think less of him as a director.

But whats nice about speilberg is that he still directs groundbreaking movies. He has evolved.

[Bigmagic]

I especially like the story of how he sneaks into an empty office and acted like it was his. Staight off a tour bus and into Hollywood history. I didn't really care for his Marcus Welby MD episodes though(LMAO). Night Gallery was a little better but the Columbo episodes got him back on track.

Seriously one of the greatest of all time.

[CallaghanFilms]

I especially like the story of how he sneaks into an empty office and acted like it was his. Staight off a tour bus and into Hollywood history. I didn't really care for his Marcus Welby MD episodes though(LMAO). Night Gallery was a little better but the Columbo episodes got him back on track. Classic story. It was as if it had been meant to be. Spielberg would always wear his best suit...the security guard mistook the young director for the son of studio head Lew Wassermann. I mean, you can't write better material than that.

One little piece of "movie guy" trivia...
The actor starring in one of Spielberg's first television assignments (The Psychiatrists to be exact) was Clu Galager...father of the Project Greenlight 3 director John (and co-star of the lost in release limbo Feast.)

[ZFarms Productions]

Classic story. It was as if it had been meant to be. Spielberg would always wear his best suit...the security guard mistook the young director for the son of studio head Lew Wassermann. I mean, you can't write better material than that.

One little piece of "movie guy" trivia...
The actor starring in one of Spielberg's first television assignments (The Psychiatrists to be exact) was Clu Galager...father of the Project Greenlight 3 director John (and co-star of the lost in release limbo Feast.)

Jan. 6th "Feast" comes out. They got a little extra money and went back and shot a few more scenes and such. Just in case you didn't know....

[Ought2bCommitted]

Genius. Possibly one of the most UNDERrrated directors due to his commercial success. He's able to manipulate viewers' emotions like no one else.

Exactly and I think that pisses a lot of his peers off!!!!

He is a freaking genius.

-R

[kimko]

overrated genius

[KingVidiot]

As a whole, overrated. No genius would ever make:

1941
Hook
AI
The Terminal

or produce/exec. produce:

Casper
Deep Impact
The Flintstones
The Goonies [and wrote]


I love his earlier works like Indy, Close Encounters, and Jaws... but that was a long time ago. He seems to be more of a film businessman than an artist these days. Most of his movies have the "for the masses" appeal which means they usually have no edge or spark. Like the old saying goes:

"Try and please everyone, you'll end up pleasing no one..."

Just keep the kid stuff in the kid movies, and leave the more edgy stuff for the adults.

... by the way, are you listening George Lucas?

[kimko]

einstein flunked math....

[Luis Caffesse]

As a whole, overrated. No genius would ever make:

Hey come on now.
You can't knock em all out of the park.
Even Babe Ruth struck out (a hell of a lot I might add).

Looking at his filmography he has 48 different projects listed as Director.
You named 4 that weren't all that great.

God I pray to have those same numbers at the end of my career.
:)

[Streckfus]

My thoughts on Spielberg? Refer to the picture on your left.

[MovieSwede]

The Picture on your left is a collaboration between 4 great filmmaking personalitys.

George Lucas - Story
Steven Spielberg - Direction
John Williams - Music
Harrison Ford - Acting

[Streckfus]

I couldn't agree more. In fact, I'm glad to see that you included John Williams on the list. Spielberg has been incredibly lucky in that he's been able to collaborate with some of the most talented people in the biz. One could argue that Magic Johnson wouldn't have been Magic without James Worthy finishing the break, or that Phil Jackson wouldn't be a star coach without talent like Jordan, Pippin, Kobe and Shaq. I guess my point is that talent attracts talent.

Besides, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is my favorite movie, it's the movie that made me fall in love with movies in the first place, and it marks the first time I ever noticed the "Director" credit in a film. (I was 6 when the movie was released.)

Because of Spielberg, I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying to making a living at making movies. I'm not sure whether to thank him or hate him...I suppose I'll get back to you when I'm on my death bed.

(Sheesh....got a little dramatic there for a moment.)

[Luis Caffesse]

Sheesh....got a little dramatic there for a moment.

Keep that up and you'll make some engaging movies.
:)

[Streckfus]

Keep that up and you'll make some engaging movies.
:)

Ah, but I was bordering on melodrama! If I keep that up, I'll be making after-school specials in no time. (Drugs Are Bad, Jinny Eat Something, Whatever!)

[Luis Caffesse]

Ah, but I was bordering on melodrama!

I don't know, I thought the script was good...the actor just didn't sell it.
:happy:

[surf]

As a whole, overrated. No genius would ever make:

1941
Hook
AI
The Terminal

or produce/exec. produce:

Casper
Deep Impact
The Flintstones
The Goonies [and wrote]


I love his earlier works like Indy, Close Encounters, and Jaws... but that was a long time ago. He seems to be more of a film businessman than an artist these days. Most of his movies have the "for the masses" appeal which means they usually have no edge or spark. Like the old saying goes:

"Try and please everyone, you'll end up pleasing no one..."

Just keep the kid stuff in the kid movies, and leave the more edgy stuff for the adults.

... by the way, are you listening George Lucas?

i think The Terminal is not so bad... but S.S. has several very boring 'n' uninteresting films.

he is just highly overrated.

[FourStarCinema]

1.Duel
2.Jaws
3.Close Encounters
4.Raiders
5.E.T.
6.Schindler's List
7.Saving Private Ryan

Any one director having ALL of these films in his body of work is a genius. Period.

[rook]

Close encounters.
Jaws
ET

All get the yes vote, but I truly believe that there should be a law passed that prevents him and tom hanks from ever working together again.

-rook

[Rick Meyer]

Sure, not ALL of his movies were huge box office hits. What director, or producer, or actor bats 1000 every the time??? none.

The main criteria for judging a filmmaker is their ability to tell a story. Mr. Speilberg is undoubtedly one of the best storytellers ever. Ever. Genius? Absolutely. If by genius you mean to ask if he has crafted his filmmaking skills to an absolute master level? Come on. That is a no-brainer. To put it bluntly: overrated my ass.

Rick

[Michael Summers]

he is a good director in a "big" sense. everything he does is big, over the top and beautiful. he's not nearly a genius. when you say "genius" i think thomas edison, albert einstein, or Thoreau "genius." i can only think of three directors that could be considered "genius." well maybe four. it would have the be Majid Majidi, Kubrick, Bergman, and Gallo. everyone else is just great. i forget who directed the apu trilogy, but he would be next in line for a genius award.

[Rich Lee]

i cant stand this thread

[J.R. Hudson]

......and Gallo.


Now I can't stand this thread either

[Pen Cap Chew]

Gallo, as in Vincent? Genius? Yeah, buffalo '66 rocks. Brown Bunny?

[FourStarCinema]

....and Gallo.
Nah, that HAD to be the punch line! Good one!

[CallaghanFilms]

...Majid Majidi, Kubrick, Bergman, and Gallo...
Now I know this is a bad dream. Or maybe some kind of mass hallucination. Someone wake me up please...this is the equivalent of the falling off a building and seeing yourself die in your sleep.

[Michael Summers]

people are very ignorant. i suggest you research the man before judging him by common knowledge, and actually viewing the films for what they were. nothing short of genius.

[Michael Summers]

Now I know this is a bad dream. Or maybe some kind of mass hallucination. Someone wake me up please...this is the equivalent of the falling off a building and seeing yourself die in your sleep.
if thats what you feel about certain comtemporary, well-rounded entertainers trying to break the boundries of convention, i guess so.

[FourStarCinema]

people are very ignorant. i suggest you research the man before judging him by common knowledge, and actually viewing the films for what they were. nothing short of genius.
Right, and the sky is blue. I have seen his films, and I wouldn't even think of considering Gallo a genius. Not even close. Now go and watch all of Spielberg's films. Then you'll recognize Spielberg's genius. :beer:

[Michael Summers]

Right, and the sky is blue. I have seen his films, and I wouldn't even think of considering Gallo a genius. Not even close. Now go and watch all of Spielberg's films. Then you'll recognize Spielberg's genius. :beer:
have you seen his paintings? his essays? his photographs? interviews? the man is a genius with technique, story, drama, comedy, and conceptual ideas. (the photographs... quite rare i doubt youll find any without paying hundreds of dollars)

there are thousands of gallo bashing thread on the internet and im sick of it, lets not turn this into one. agree to disgaree.

edit: im not bashing spielberg. in fact, my favorite film of his was one everyone seemed to hate, AI. empire of the sun was brilliant also. but i credit him with the begining of the downward spiral of hollywood blockbusters, so i can't give him much praise for the outcome of his films.

it's hard to be a real working independent artist these days without recieving critisicm.

[ZFarms Productions]

excuse the paraphrasing "i know Spielberg... and you sir, Mr. Gallo, are no Steven Spielberg."

[FourStarCinema]

have you seen his paintings? his essays? his photographs? interviews? the man is a genius with technique, story, drama, comedy, and conceptual ideas. (the photographs... quite rare i doubt youll find any without paying hundreds of dollars)

there are thousands of gallo bashing thread on the internet and im sick of it, lets not turn this into one. agree to disgaree.

edit: im not bashing spielberg. in fact, my favorite film of his was one everyone seemed to hate, AI. empire of the sun was brilliant also. but i credit him with the begining of the downward spiral of hollywood blockbusters, so i can't give him much praise for the outcome of his films.

it's hard to be a real working independent artist these days without recieving critisicm.
That's cool that you are into his other art, and I'll admit that I was judging him strictly on his movies. I agree that AI is one of Spielberg's best films (which is an opinion that always draws bashing). However, about the whole downward spiral of Hollywood blockbusters, you can thank the studios for their marketing and dumbing-down these films to fit a certain rating or demographic. Jaws may have shown that money could be made in the summer months, but it could have been released anytime and still made lots of cash. And Raiders was a blockbuster, but also very artfully done and well made.

[Michael Summers]

well i bashed spielberg badly, more than i needed to for that. he was blamed by many of the failed directors of the 70s, along with lucas. neither of them are to blame, because sooner or later it would happen anyway. they just happened to be people making quality movies at the time.

[FourStarCinema]

Personally, I blame this guy:

http://imdb.com/name/nm0027271/ :grin:

[Pen Cap Chew]

Hey Michael, I'm with you on Gallo. I don't know about the genius part (I don't use that word lightly) but I do like him.

I don't know about the genius part but I think he's great. Now "A.I." -- that I don't get. Why do you like "A.I."? I'm just curious as it did nothing for me.

[Michael Summers]

Yeah, i guess you could call me a Gallo fan-boy... but i'm just a sucker for extremely independent, egotistical contemporaries. I admire his attempt at breaking convention, which he has done very well. Who has the guts to shoot a film in entire 35mm reversal stock, then cross process it, and defy all rules of modern cinematography without even knowing if its going to be distributed? thats pretty hardcore. and imagine it, it turned out fantastastic, (that was buffalo '66) I wont comment on the other film because its sure to start a heated debate, but i liked it just as well.

AI was... dazzling. i wish it would have been longer. I loved the performances, the sets, everything felt so surreal but at the same time, not impossible. it was just a beautiful looking film, and it also hit some emotional chords with me. spielberg transitioned from different times and scenes very well, and it never drew attention to itself.

[Weston]

I think Schindlers list was his best work. Certainly his most important work.

[Rick Meyer]

people are very ignorant. i suggest you research the man before judging him by common knowledge, and actually viewing the films for what they were. nothing short of genius.

Come on man. Just because some of us would not label Gallo as a genius doesn't make us ignorant. To me, the guy shouldn't even be considered genius. You have to judge a body of work. And, I don't think his is nearly big enough. I respect that you think he's worthy of genius title. I just think that that distinction goes to a very small list of which he isn't included.

And I agree, Spielberg does do big. But, doing big ain't easy. He's got a gift. But filmmaking is a collaborative effort. You have to consider script, actors, story, editing, score, etc. Sometimes, he can't be in every place at the same time. But, when he's firing on all cylinders, there are very very very few filmmakers as good. Just re-watch the first 15 minutes of ET and refresh your memory. He grabs you from shot one.

Rick

[CallaghanFilms]

Success is not mutually exclusive from brilliance...or put another way, mass popularity does not cancel out artistic genius. For whatever reason, however, this seems to be the case with Spielberg in some eyes. Make no mistake...this is nothing new. It is something he has dealt with since the post-Jaws period. I, for one, will never understand this attitude. I wonder if Michelangelo would have faced the same elitist snobbery if he had been subject to the global society that Spielberg has been. Would the same "intellectuals" say, "Ehhh, that statue of David is good enough for the masses..."

[J.R. Hudson]

Bergman? I can buy that.

Gallo? Are you high on something?

Tell me Mr. Summers; what leads you to this take?

[Michael Summers]

Bergman? I can buy that.

Gallo? Are you high on something?

Tell me Mr. Summers; what leads you to this take?



Yeah, i guess you could call me a Gallo fan-boy... but i'm just a sucker for extremely independent, egotistical contemporaries. I admire his attempt at breaking convention, which he has done very well. Who has the guts to shoot a film in entire 35mm reversal stock, then cross process it, and defy all rules of modern cinematography without even knowing if its going to be distributed? thats pretty hardcore. and imagine it, it turned out fantastastic, (that was buffalo '66) I wont comment on the other film because its sure to start a heated debate, but i liked it just as well.



to each his own.

[Staven]

Maybe Gallo is a genius... he somehow managed to get worldwide distribution for Brown Bunny!

Distributor: "So whats the plot for this Brown Bunny movie?"

Gallo: "Well I drive around in a van for 87minutes, then get a bj from Chloe Sevingny for 3 minutes to end the film".

Distrbutor: "So what's the plot?"

Gallo: "I just told you the plot. ...oh yeah, the bj isn't simulated it's real."

Distributor: "Sold."

________________________________

As for The Man... genius or not, he can sure make a damn good film. He will go down as the greatest filmmaker ever by the time he calls it quits.

[Michael Summers]

Maybe Gallo is a genius... he somehow managed to get worldwide distribution for Brown Bunny!

Distributor: "So whats the plot for this Brown Bunny movie?"

Gallo: "Well I drive around in a van for 87minutes, then get a bj from Chloe Sevingny for 3 minutes to end the film".

Distrbutor: "So what's the plot?"

Gallo: "I just told you the plot. ...oh yeah, the bj isn't simulated it's real."

Distributor: "Sold."

________________________________

As for The Man... genius or not, he can sure make a damn good film. He will go down as the greatest filmmaker ever by the time he calls it quits.


LOL OMG NVR SEEN A JOKE LIK DAT B4

[blckhawk542]

hey...Speilberg might be in ur top lists rite now...

wait about 10 more years....and you'll put me up thurr on the top...

:thumbsup:

[Staven]

LOL OMG NVR SEEN A JOKE LIK DAT B4

Even if it only prevents one person from deciding to either not watch it or to just skip ahead to the end of the film it's served it's purpose.

Crazy as you are(joke) it's cool to see someone passionate about they're favorite filmmaker.

Don't know if you can qualify someone operating the camera while acting in the scene as genius though.

[Michael Summers]

Even if it only prevents one person from deciding to either not watch it or to just skip ahead to the end of the film it's served it's purpose.

Crazy as you are(joke) it's cool to see someone passionate about they're favorite filmmaker.

Don't know if you can qualify someone operating the camera while acting in the scene as genius though.


would you consider Woody Allen a genius? i might. i'd have to think about it.

[J.R. Hudson]

to each his own.

Tis true; one mans velvet poker playing dogs is anothers Monet

[Pen Cap Chew]

You've got to admit that Buffalo '66 was a great movie. Give Gallo props for that. I'd watch Buffalo '66 a hundred times before I'd watch Titanic again.

[Michael Summers]

Id like to hear others opinions on AI.

[J.R. Hudson]

Spielbergs A.I.?

I loved the middle act. (The bookends sucked; who cast that skank anyway?)

[Michael Summers]

i think the opposite :)