Steven Spielberg has proved that he is the Jack of all trades and master of everything when it comes to versatility in cinema. A filmmaker who has never been boxed into any specific genre when it comes to his filmography, Spielberg has also worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest superstars in iconic films that have stood the test of time.
Apart from being a genius in his craft, the Oscar winner is also famously known to have a wonderful working rapport with his cast and crew members which even saw him indulging them with memorable gifts following the wrap of the filming. One popular star who was a key figure in the director’s blockbuster series Jurassic Park, was stunned by what he received.
Jeff Goldblum Will Cherish Steven Spielberg’s Gift Forever
There is no doubt that any actor wanting to make it big, would want a call-up from Steven Spielberg to ensure that his or her career graph soars. Over the years, the director has been one of Hollywood’s greatest storytellers whose films have left an indelible mark on critics and audiences. Among his glittering repertoire, the Jurassic Park film franchise that he created, holds cult status in Hollywood today.
But Spielberg’s cinematic skill is just one aspect of his persona as many of his actors realized. The Schindler’s List director also deeply cared for his cast and crew which was seen in his heartwarming gesture of giving all of them unique wrap gifts to celebrate the completion of the movie and for their efforts.
Jeff Goldblum who was a key part of Spielberg’s Jurassic Park trilogy as Dr Ian Malcolm, is someone who has seen the filmmaker create magic up close and personal on set. The actor was stunned when he realized that he and the other cast members were being presented with human-sized velociraptors as a keepsake once the filming had ended.
Speaking to Fox 32 Chicago, Goldblum was extremely excited as spoke about how this gift held pride of place in his home, and was effusive in his praise for his director’s extravagant gift which he described in great detail.
I built a whole wing onto my house just to house that. It’s empty yes, Imagine if you will, an open space, I got some marble as well, folk painted… And there’s a light that shines on it. It’s almost like Raiders of The Lost Ark when he enters the tomb.
Spielberg continued this themed tradition in many films including The Fabelmans where he gave his cast film projectors and customized sleeping bags as wrap presents (via The Hollywood Reporter), which was revealed by actor Julia Butters.
Steven Spielberg’s Heartwarming Friendship With This Revered Director Is A Story For The Ages
Not only did Steven Spielberg play Santa Claus to his cast members, he was also someone who was willing to nurture friendships even amidst stiff competition. It is widely believed that two professionals in the same field with equal amount of expertise and talent can never be friends. But Spielberg and legendary director Richard Attenborough proved that this statement is just a myth.
Their friendship blossomed at the most unlikely of places- the Oscars 1983, where their films Gandhi and E.T were up for many awards in the same category. While Attenborough was already a 20-year veteran in the business, Spielberg was the new wonderkid whose heartwarming film about a boy and an alien touched audiences across the world, making him a favorite to take home the Oscar for Best Director.
But this was not to be as the Jaws director ended up losing the golden statuette to his senior colleague, which later sparked a huge debate with viewers. This snub which could have led to friction between the two directors, turned out to be the start of a wonderful relationship thanks to Attenborough’s kind words for Spielberg.
In the book Steven Spielberg: A Biography by Joseph McBride (via EW), the veteran recalled his shock on receiving the Best Director award that year and believed that it was his younger colleague who deserved it more than him.
Steven and I were at opposite sides of the room, and when the winner’s name was announced after all the speeches and such, I literally had to be nudged. I couldn’t believe it. I got up from the table and it was a sort of knee-jerk actor’s reaction. I didn’t go to the podium, I went over to Spielberg. He got up, I put my arms ’round him, and I said, ‘This isn’t right, this should be yours.’
This heart-warming gesture by Attenborough and Spielberg’s gracious acceptance of the same without feeling any spite for his loss, was the spark that ignited a beautiful bond that even saw the veteran playing an important role in the E.T. director’s Jurassic Park.
Jurassic Park can be rented on Apple TV.
